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.

The five largest intellectual property offices have agreed to move ahead on ten Foundation Projects, to provide a framework to support work-sharing.

International patent filings under the World Intellectual Property Organisation’s Patent Cooperation Treaty fell by 4.5 per cent in 2009.

WIPO’s Patentscope, which currently hosts data on more than 1.6 million international patent applications, has been extended.

Recent improvements in intellectual property protection make China a great place to innovate, says patent attorney Adrian Tombling.

Foreign companies now have more confidence in India’s patent system, but the economic boom is yet to produce much home grown innovation, says a new report.

Patent laws in the Republic of Ireland have been amended to streamline the system and bring it into line with the rest of Europe.

International experts at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) have agreed to simplify the structure of the international system for classifying patents.

Everyone’s strapped for cash – except pharma. But the latest spending spree is no more of a fix for expiring patents than botox is for ageing skin, writes Nuala Moran.