US goes “first to file”, and more!

US goes “first to file”, and more!

Prioritised Examination As long as the patent claims are not too complex, and for a fee, the process of examination (and potentially grant) of a US patent can be accelerated. Virtual Marking Products should still be marked ‘patent’ or ‘pat.’...
The First Glimmers after the Doom of the Brüstle Decision

The First Glimmers after the Doom of the Brüstle Decision

Concern and apprehension have been rife for patentees and practitioners alike in light of the Brüstle decision, which set out the CJEU’s decision as to what is and what is not excluded from patentability by the morality provisions of the Biotech Directive. Even...
From Sheep to Sleep: Supplementary Patent Protection is Extended

From Sheep to Sleep: Supplementary Patent Protection is Extended

An important consideration in the development of a pharmaceutical or other biologically active product is gaining approval from regulators to market the product. The timescales involved in gaining approval can be daunting, particularly when they are compared with the...
EPO Rule Changes Update April 2011

EPO Rule Changes Update April 2011

Deadlines for Filing Divisional Applications We have previously discussed the revised rules for filing divisional applications introduced with effect from 1 April 2010. These previous changes introduced a 24 month period for filing any divisional applications...
Edinburgh Patent Appeal Withdrawn

Edinburgh Patent Appeal Withdrawn

The patent was granted in 2001 and alleged by many to relate, intentionally or otherwise, to human cloning. This latter concern was rapidly extinguished but the patent was nevertheless opposed by 14 parties, principally on the ground of lack of morality, leading to a...