Patents

Adviser’s opinion expected to influence the European Court of Justice

2012 was a record year for patent filings and grants, European Patent Office reports

Success will depend on ‘getting the fees right’ and the quality of decisions of the new court, EPO president says

Invalidating two biomarker patents could hold back the commercial development of personalized medicine

A comprehensive reform of US patents takes effect today (16 September), when the America Invents Act is made law. The changes bring the US patent system into greater conformity with the rest of the world.

The European Parliament gave its approval for a common European patent, allowing the system to move ahead despite objections from Italy and Spain

In an unexpected change of heart, the US government has reversed its previous and long-held stance that genes can be patented.

Genomics is turbo-charging traditional plant and animal breeding. But can new varieties get patent protection, ask Nicholas Jones and Rachel Wallis of Withers & Rogers LLP.

Human genes are patentable, says the English Court of Appeal, but only if the patent describes a practical way that the gene or protein can be exploited.