Analyze the sentiment of this statement extracted from a financial news article. Provide your answer as either negative, positive, or neutral.
Text: ALEXANDRIA , Va. , Jan. 9 -- United States Patent no. 7,862,685 , issued on Jan. 4 , was assigned to Kemira Chemicals Inc. ( Marietta , Ga. ) .
Answer:
ALEXANDRIA , Va. , Jan. 9 -- United States Patent no. 7,862,685 , issued on Jan. 4 , was assigned to Kemira Chemicals Inc. ( Marietta , Ga. ) .