Abstract: Defined multi-conjugate oligonucleotides can have predetermined sizes and compositions. For example, in various embodiment, defined multi-conjugate oligonucleotides can have advantageous properties, for example in the form of defined multi-conjugate siRNA (i.e., including two, three or more siRNA) having enhanced intracellular delivery and/or multi-gene silencing effects. In various embodiment, the defined multi-conjugate oligonucleotides can be synthesized via new synthetic intermediates and methods. The defined multi-conjugate oligonucleotides can be used, for example, in reducing gene expression, biological research, treating or preventing medical conditions, or to produce new or altered phenotypes in cells or organisms.

Abstract: A system is provided for managing patent licenses. The system comprises at least one memory including a first memory location for storing a signal representing a plurality of patent licenses available for procurement. The system also comprises at least one network interface for receiving a signal from a user designating at least one of the licenses for procurement. The system furthermore comprises at least one processor for processing a procurement transaction by which the user procures the at least one designated license. The at least one memory further comprises a second memory location for storing a signal representing information pertinent to the procurement transaction including information regarding an identity of the user and information regarding the procured license.