News

Corporation Tax Deductions – Taking Advantage of Patent Box

Following the departure of several high-tech companies from the UK, in 2009 the UK Government decided to introduce a tax relief initiative known as Patent Box. The Patent Box regime allows UK companies (including subsidiaries and overseas territories) to take advantage of an effective reduction in the rate of corporation tax to as low as 10% for worldwide income that arises from the exploitation of inventions that benefit from certain IP rights. As of 1 April 2013, companies have been able to elect in to the Patent Box regime.

Reference Numerals Can Affect Claim Construction

In an application to revoke EP(UK)1355604 a key question to be answered was the meaning in the claims of the terms “vent sites” and “bond sites”. Both terms were used interchangeably in the associated patent specification and both terms were given the same reference numeral 100.

Still Painful for Pfizer

The Court of Appeal has handed down its decision in the patent dispute relating to Pfizer’s $5 billion drug Lyrica® and its prescribed use to treat neuropathic pain. In summary, the Court of Appeal upheld the first instance decision, maintaining the finding of insufficiency and non-infringement. A finding that Pfizer was liable for making groundless threats was also upheld. Pfizer has indicated that it will seek leave to appeal to the UK Supreme Court.

Cell & Gene Meeting on the Mesa, 4 - 6 October, San Diego

UK Court Decision Kills Keepalive Patent

UK Court Decision Kills Keepalive Patent: In its Judgment on the dispute between Sony Communications and SSH Communications the UK High Court has deemed invalid patent EP(UK) 2254311 which relates to the use of keepalive packets.

SIPO Formalises Revisions to its Patent Examination Guidelines

All-Energy® 2017, Glasgow

Unified Patent Court – December Launch Date?

Upcoming Changes to the UK Patent Rules

Forthcoming amendments of the UK Patents Rules 2007 will have an impact on patent practice in front of the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO). The majority of these changes come into effect on 1 October 2016, whilst additional changes come into effect on 6 April 2017.