Colossal Biosciences aims not only to resurrect the woolly mammoth but also to secure a patent for it. The Texas-based startup seeks exclusive rights to develop gene-edited elephants infused with ancient mammoth DNA. Dubbed as “the de-extinction company,” Colossal envisions creating a herd of mammoth-like elephants to be released in Siberian nature preserves, where they would engage in behaviors beneficial for maintaining permafrost, thereby potentially earning carbon credits. CEO Ben Lamm asserts that patenting these animals would enable the company to manage the implementation of such technologies, especially during critical initial releases. Colossal plans to extend its patent applications to other genetically modified species, such as wolves, which it recently announced. While the company claims to have achieved a breakthrough in de-extinction with its modified wolves, critics argue that these animals are mainly gray wolves with minimal dire wolf DNA. Having raised over $400 million, Colossal is investing in various gene-editing technologies, with speculative business plans that suggest each resurrected mammoth could yield substantial carbon capture revenues. Patents, typically lasting 20 years, might provide a legal framework for the reintroduction of these species. Though patents for genetically engineered organisms have been permitted since 1980, Colossal's approach raises new questions about intellectual property rights over extinct DNA and the implications for wildlife. While some in the scientific community express concerns about patenting living beings, Colossal is also trademarking the names of its creations to safeguard their brand identity. The company’s patent application for mammoth-like elephants, filed in 2023, encompasses claims that seek to control various mammoth gene variants and their effects on the animals' characteristics, raising ethical and legal considerations surrounding ownership of engineered species. As the patent process unfolds, it may redefine the landscape of intellectual property in the realm of de-extinction.
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