The invention of the CRISPR Gene Scissors was awarded this year's Nobel Prize; it is considered a groundbreaking therapeutic approach. Not surprisingly, there has been a competition for the priority right of patents for years. Priority right cannot be fragmented, the Board of Appeal decided.
CRISPR Genetic scissors: cards are being reshuffled
The European Patent Office confirmed four days ago the revocation of a granted patent on CRISPR genome processing, which is considered the key technology in the fight against cancer. This leaves the rough competition for the patent rights on the CRISPR genome scissors still open, which actually seemed to have been
Next step in Battle over CRISPR technology: EPO revokes important patent
A few days ago, an important patent decision was made to coincide with World Cancer Day and yet relatively unnoticed. The European Patent Office revoked an EU patent for the CRISPR genome processing, which is regarded as a key technology in the fight against cancer.
PCT application – does the principle of joint applicants apply?
In general, the principle "joint applicants approach" to European patent applications. But does this also apply to an international PCT application? The EPO has recently decided to refer this question to the Enlarged Board of Appeal.
Inventorship and co-inventorship – claims in disputes
Inventorship and co-inventorship are often disputes - especially with one's own employer or co-inventors. In Germany, inventorship or co-inventorship gives rise to claims for compensation or damages. And inventership effects on priority rights under the EPC.
USA: Patent waiver for the Corona vaccines?
The USA is fuelling calls for patent protection suspension of Corona vaccines. This is dominating all the main news with a view to the economy and politics. But what is the legal position on this, what would be the legal basis?
EU Biopatent: Enlarged Board of Appeal annuls fundamental decisions
The Enlarged Board of Appeal of the EPO has published an important new opinion on patentability as a biopatent: it revokes its fundamental decisions G 2/12 and G 2/13 and resolves the conflict between Rule 28 and Art. 53 EPC.
EPA revokes Bayer’s biopatent on broccoli
The European Patent Office (EPO) has revoked Bayer AG's controversial Monsanto biopatent, which was intended to protect the breeding of broccoli to facilitate harvesting. It is the first revocation of a biopatent since the introduction of the newly revised EU regulation for biopatents in 2017.
ECJ ruling: Mutagenesis is among genetic engineering
Organisms obtained by mutagenesis are genetically modified organisms and are subject to the GMO Directive, according to ECJ. This is a far-reaching judgement that has implications ranging from organic farming to new techniques such as CRISPR genome processing.
WIPO releases “WIPO Magazine”-Issue April 2017
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has released its newest Issue of the "WIPO Magazine". In the second Publication in 2017 the main focus lays on "Patents for Humanity", the World Intellectual Property Day (#WorldIPday) and portraits the work of Fraunhofer, Europe’s largest applied research