News

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.

Accelerating Immunotherapy US Patent Prosecution

29 June 2016, the US Patent Office announced a Pilot Program for Cancer Immunotherapy aimed at accelerating prosecution and grant of cancer immunotherapy patent applications.

Brexit News

The result of June’s Referendum on the United Kingdom’s (UK) membership of the European Union (EU) is dramatic and perhaps unexpected. However whilst much does remain unclear with regard to the UK’s position in Europe it should be noted that the UK remains a member of the European Patent Convention. European patents in their current guise will thus remain unaffected by the Referendum decision. Likewise UK national patents and Registered designs and their protection and enforcement remain unaffected.