Proteoform Research:

Intellectual Property Theft and Export Diversion Risk Assessment

The field of proteoform research is an emerging area of study with the potential to revolutionize the biotechnology industry, while simultaneously leading to intellectual property protection and compliance challenges. Proteoform research involves study of proteins in the form in which they function in the body, and knowledge of their presence, nature, and abundance of their different forms is critical to understanding the function of a biological system.

Companies which produce or sell the high-end chromatographs, mass spectrometers, and proteoform analysis software are likely at risk of intellectual property theft or expert diversion over the near term by prohibited actors—such as sanctioned or export-restricted entities—wishing to illicitly obtain technology for top-down proteomics research. As the field of proteoform research progresses, these actors will likely increase focus on methods to overcome existing challenges in sample preparation, cataloging proteins in low abundance or in membranes, and the ability to obtain highly-specific molecular information while avoiding protein interference.

Acquisition of this technology and intellectual property by prohibited actors puts producers and distributors at risk of fines, reputational damage, and loss of market share from inadvertent dealings with these restricted entities. Countering this will require a thorough understanding of the value chain for this equipment to enable targeted mitigation of problematic acquisitions without stifling the collaboration so critical for scientific research.

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We offer risk assessment support through our botique research and consulting services. Contact us at info@artemisresearchgroup.com to protect your proteoform technology and intellectual property.

Image Credit: Electron Microscopy Data Bank accession number EMD-0476.