Pharmaceuticals

A brief guide to patenting diagnostic inventions in Europe

Inventions can be broadly split into products (i.e. physical entities) and methods (i.e. activities). This brief guide aims to clarify exactly which diagnostic products and methods can and cannot currently be patented in Europe.

Is it worth patenting your AI tools for drug discovery?

Often, when the AI identifies a drug, and experiments confirm it is useful for the intended purpose, the drug can be patented. But what about the AI itself – can the AI be protected by patents, and should you try to?

Intellectual property for start-ups in a post-COVID world: part one – managing start-ups’ patents

Patents are one of the most well-known types of intellectual property (IP). However, what can be patented is often less understood by new entrepreneurs and innovators.

Remittal in EPO opposition appeal proceedings

The revised Rules of Procedure of the Boards of Appeal (RPBA 2020) came into force on 1 January 2020. One of the revised rules covered ‘remittal’ – the practice of a Board of Appeal sending the case back to the department of first instance (the Opposition Division for oppositions) to continue examination.

Oral proceedings by video conference at the EPO

In oppositions and appeals at the European Patent Office (EPO), oral proceedings may be the final opportunity for a party to present submissions before an adverse decision is announced.

The Greenshoots Podcast by Appleyard Lees, Episode 13: the intellectual property story behind vaccines & other health innovation.

Patent attorneys Richard Bray, Barbara Fleck and Kate Hickinson discuss patents as drivers of vaccine and health technology innovation, and the reporting of patent issues by mainstream media.

Reduced patent fees for small or micro entity businesses

A discussion of requirements, benefits and risk in Canada, Japan and the U.S.

New UK comparable rights post-Brexit

The United Kingdom has left the European Union. When the transition period ends on 31 December 2020, new national UK rights will be created automatically. We have been busy making preparations and Appleyard Lees is ready to ensure smooth management of your trade mark and design portfolio.

Data-Driven Healthcare Innovation

Artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and “big data” have the potential to revolutionise the healthcare space and drive healthcare innovation. Developments in these technologies may help to streamline medical diagnoses and identify which therapies a patient will respond to, allowing the adoption of targeted therapies in an efficient manner.

AI-driven trade mark service to make filing faster

The Greenshoots Podcast by Appleyard Lees – episode 6 – challenges and shifting priorities for in-house inventors and IP teams post COVID-19 and beyond

Partners and patent attorneys Ean Davies and Adam Tindall discuss: Reimagining the in-house team/outside counsel relationship | Getting the best from private practice IP attorneys | IP during a recession