European Patent Office applies more stringent criteria
The European Patent Office (EPO) has started to apply more stringent criteria to the applications it reviews, including those from the medical sciences.
IPR & Legal
MediGene acquires exclusive rights to key patent for its lead cancer product
MediGene AG has acquired exclusive rights to a European Patent relating to lipid complexes that can destroy endothelial cells. Originally granted to the University of California, the patent covers technology used in MediGene’s lead cancer product, EndoTAG-1. This technology is being used to develop other products as well, the company said.
Patent reform receives more political support in the EU
A proposal to create a single jurisdiction for the litigation of patent disputes in the European Union is gathering political support.
Revised European Patent Convention comes into force in December
The European Patent Convention (EPC), a multilateral treaty establishing the legal framework for patent awards in Europe, has been updated and the new agreement is scheduled to take effect on 13 December 2007. It succeeds the original Convention on the Grant of European Patents of 5 October 1973.
News Link
Proposal for EU patent-litigation system supported by judges
Patent judges from around Europe have signalled their support for a proposal that would create a single jurisdiction for the litigation of patent disputes in the European Union.
The London Agreement on patents gets the go ahead in France
The French Senate has approved the London Agreement, which reduces the translation requirements for patents in Europe.
Marks & Clerk to absorb the Lloyd Wise Group
Marks & Clerk is to absorb the Lloyd Wise Group in a merger scheduled for completion by the end of 2007. Both firms are patent and trade mark attorneys based in London.
US patent reform would have worldwide impact
A proposed reform of US patent law, which is now before the US Congress, could have a significant impact on European life science companies doing business in the US as well as on efforts towards international patent harmonisation.
Will India’s patent rejection be taken up by the WTO?
Novartis AG is seeking to get a decision by India’s Patent Office overturned by the country’s Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB) despite losing a separate appeal in the High Court.
New medicines legislation in The Netherlands
The Netherlands has updated the rules governing the dispensing of pharmaceuticals, as well as the responsibilities of the national regulator, the Medicines Evaluation Board (MEB), in a major revision of its medicines legislation.