Latest News & Features
Biotechnology
The USPTO’s new guidance for examiners extends the decision in Myriad beyond isolated nucleic acids to all claims concerning ‘judicial exceptions’. Bethan Hopewell and Jennifer Antcliff report. 20 June 2014
Biotechnology
For those involved in the development of biological drugs, the prospects of getting what would seem to be a ‘fair reward’ may not have improved much, says Jaap Mannaerts. 20 June 2014
Biotechnology
The exclusion from patentability of certain cells derived from human embryos is a reflection of the EPO’s increasingly restrictive stance, say Franz-Josef Zimmer and Markus Grammel. 20 June 2014
Asia-Pacific
Amendments to SIPO’s guidelines for the examination of utility patents may help stop the proliferation of ‘junk’ utility models in China. Wolfgang Bublak and Yingkun Brunner report. 20 June 2014
Generics
There is no uniform interpretation of the scope of the Bolar exemption in Europe, but a CJEU opinion harmonising the issue may be on the way, says Rafal Witek. 20 June 2014
Big Pharma
Andrew Wright and Tom Harding investigate how a decision by the EPO’s Board of Appeal may extend the opportunities for protection by second medical use claims. 20 June 2014
Genetics
The realm of patent eligibility under 35 USC §101 has become more confusing, with the introduction of a possible new definition of admissibility after a decision on Dolly the sheep. Nabeela Rasheed reports. 20 June 2014
Americas
Holland & Knight LLP has expanded its IP practice group with the hire of patent litigator Howard Suh as partner. 18 June 2014
Americas
Stem cell research companies in Canada and Australia have teamed up to support increased research and development in both countries. 16 June 2014
Americas
Drug giant Merck is to acquire biopharmaceutical company Idenix for $24.50 per share, valuing the purchase at around $3.85 billion. 12 June 2014