News & insights

IP updates

Oral Proceedings by VC: An Emergency Measure or the New Normal?

The EPO has offered the option of attending Examination oral proceedings by videoconference (VC) since 1998 but, until recently, less than 10% of Examination oral proceedings were held by VC. However, since the COVID-19 pandemic reached Europe, the possibility to hold oral proceedings by VC has gained unprecedented importance.
IP updates

Of Molecules & Medicine: G3/19 – Peppers, Politics, and Non-Patentability

In a controversial departure from its earlier decision “Broccoli/Tomatoes II” and a blow to Applicants in the field of agritech, the Enlarged Board of Appeal in “Peppers” holds that plants and animals exclusively obtained by means of an essentially biological process are not patentable at the EPO through applications filed on/after 1 July 2017.
Blogs

Of Molecules & Medicine: Nucleic Acid Technology and its Use to Decode the First Genomic Sequence of SARS-CoV-2

Our scientific knowledge and the corresponding technology has rapidly advanced in the last century. One particular example is our understanding of nucleic acids and their genetic code.
Blogs

The Year that the Eurovision Song Contest was Cancelled

The cheesy music, extravagant costumes, the discussion as to why Australia get to compete, the outgoing artists, the hosts’ costume changes and not to mention the hilarious commentary by Graham Norton if you watch the show in the UK; this year our houses will not be blessed with the joy that is Eurovision.
Blogs

Summer of Sport

We take a look at some of the relevant IP surrounding some of these major sporting events, to hopefully find something new and get excited for what is still to come in the hopefully not too distant future.
IP insights

World IP Day 2020: Innovation for a Green Future

Making modern day living environmentally sustainable is one of the biggest talking points of the 21st century. Across the globe, world leaders and governments are increasingly recognising the importance of reducing greenhouse emissions and reducing the rate at which we consume natural resources.
Blogs

Of Molecules & Medicine: Medicinal Cannabis Patent Filings at the EPO Reach New Highs

With a renewed scientific interest in the medicinal properties of cannabis in recent years, there has been a sharp rise in the number of patent applications filed at the European Patent Office which are directed to inventions in this field. We look at the background to these increased patent filings, and the opportunities that exist for creating strong patent portfolios in this growing space.
Blogs

A Day in the Life of a Trainee Patent Attorney

The role of a trainee patent attorney is both an exciting and challenging one, which involves learning about new areas of technology on a daily basis.
Blogs

Life in Isolation

The outbreak of COVID-19 has brought many changes into people’s lives, not least the requirement to stay isolated at home except in specific circumstances. The impact of this has brought with it many physical, technical and mental challenges as people adapt to life.

1
2
3
…
12