Dear netters,
We have discovered a novel bioactive protein (i.e. no significant
sequence similarities) from a plant source. As we are
going through patenting issues we are faced with several
questions that we have not found easy answers to.
We want to claim homologues of the protein but would
like to have a specific %identity or %similarity number to
claim. Seeing as we have a completely novel protein, what
%identity might we be able to claim? We would
like to claim all isolated proteins with as little at 1%
similarity but that is obviously not realistic.
30%identity seems more realistic and 70% might be what the
examiners allow. Do we need to exemplify the % identity
number by showing another protein that has the same
bioactivity and that %identity? What issues do we need to
take into account as we try to claim homolgues of the
protein?
Any help you can provide in this matter would be most
appreciated.
Sincerely Yours,
John Marcus
_________________________________________________________
John Marcus Marcus at tpp.uq.edu.au (Dr J.Marcus)
Cooperative Research Centre for Tropical Plant Pathology
5th Level John Hines Building
University of Queensland
St. Lucia, QLD 4072
AUSTRALIA
Fax: 61-7-3365-4771
Phone: 61-7-3365-4764
