The CRISPR Patent Landscape in 2026: Who Owns What

The CRISPR patent landscape continues to evolve rapidly, with foundational patents, new entrants, and an increasingly complex web of licensing agreements shaping the future of gene editing IP. This analysis examines the current state of affairs and identifies key trends that biotech companies, investors, and patent professionals should be watching.

## The Foundational Patent Holders

The CRISPR-Cas9 patent landscape remains dominated by two primary camps: the Broad Institute (MIT/Harvard) and the University of California Berkeley. Their long-running interference proceedings have fundamentally shaped how organizations approach CRISPR IP strategy.

Beyond the foundational patents, a growing number of companies and institutions hold significant CRISPR-related IP covering delivery mechanisms, modified Cas proteins, base editing, and prime editing technologies.

## Emerging White Spaces

Several technology areas within the CRISPR space remain relatively unclaimed from an IP perspective, presenting opportunities for strategic patent filings. These include novel delivery systems for in vivo applications, CRISPR-based diagnostic platforms, and multiplexed editing approaches.

## What This Means for Your IP Strategy

Whether you're a startup building a CRISPR-based therapeutic platform or a VC evaluating gene editing investments, understanding the patent landscape is critical for making informed decisions about freedom-to-operate, licensing, and competitive positioning.

For a detailed analysis specific to your technology area, contact Priori Intelligence for a custom patent landscape report.