News

Update on the patentability of plants

An EPO Board of Appeal has found that Article 53(b) EPC prevails over Rule 28(2) EPC as introduced by the Administrative Council of the EPO last year. Thus, the Board of Appeal found that plants exclusively obtained by essentially biological processes are in principle patentable at the EPO.

IFIB 2018 International Forum on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioeconomy, Turin

We are pleased to announce that Huw Jenkins will be attending the IFIB 2018 International Forum on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioeconomy in Turin.

VentureFest North East - 14 November 2018, St James' Park, Newcastle

We are pleased to announce that Secerna LLP will be exhibiting at VentureFest North East at St James' Park, Newcastle

Updates to the guidelines for examination of computer-implemented inventions in Europe

Article 52(2) of the EPC lists a number of inventions exempt from patentability including i) scientific theories and mathematical methods, ii) aesthetic creations, iii) schemes, rules or methods for performing mental acts or computer programs, and iv) presentations of information. As a result, computer-implemented inventions (CII’s) can be exempt from patentability since computers inherently include subject matter exempt from patentability under Article 52(2).

Gilead loses High Court battle to defend Truvada® SPC

The English High Court yesterday published its decision relating to the validity of a Supplementary Protection Certificate (SPC) (SPC/GB05/041). The SPC is owned by Gilead and covers a composition containing two active ingredients, tenofovir disoproxil in the form of the fumerate and emtricitabine, which are both reverse transcriptase inhibitors.

EMCON, 18 October 2018, Xcel Centre, Newton Aycliffe

Navigating the maize: developing innovative crops in Europe

BioFocus Conference 3 July 2018

Renewed thinking for patents in Wind, Wave and Tidal Energy

As part of our ambition to be the go-to firm for organisations in the renewable energy sector seeking patent and general IP support, Secerna LLP has been a regular contributor to the Wave & Tidal Energy Network and Wind Energy Network magazines on a variety of IP issues.