Understanding Patent Applications and Methods for Best Approaches in Europe and the U.S.
For U.S. startups developing innovative technology, the decision of where and how to file international patents requires a careful balance of strategic considerations versus costs. After filing your initial U.S. application,...more
As European medtech companies look to expand their presence in the U.S. market, understanding the intricacies of U.S. patent law becomes increasingly important. The U.S. market, being the largest for medical technologies,...more
The Unified Patent Court (UPC) is revolutionizing the way patents are enforced in Europe, and McDermott’s intellectual property (IP) team is here to help you navigate this dynamic landscape. Our Legal Lens on the Unified...more
In March 2024, the Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry published changes to its 2003 Patent Rules. These applicant-friendly changes include (1) a relaxation in the rules relating to the submission of information...more
On March 1, 2024, updated Guidelines for Examination (“Guidelines”) in the European Patent Office (“EPO”) went into effect. The updated Guidelines included substantive changes with broad implications for the patentability of...more
Hosted by C5 Group, the 17th Annual Forum on Pharma & Biotech Patent Litigation in Europe returns for another exciting year with curated programming that will provide up-to-the-minute information and strategic insights on...more
The Background: There has been a growing trend to invalidate European patents by challenging their formal priority and using intervening prior art. The Technical Boards of Appeal of the European Patent Office ("EPO") referred...more
Communications from the European Patent Office (EPO), which include official actions, were originally sent by registered letter and the rules were written to take this into account and assumed that such communication would...more
On October 10, 2023, the Enlarged Board of Appeal of the European Patent Office (EPO) issued a groundbreaking decision that reflects a major change in how formal priority is assessed at the EPO during examination and in...more
Beginning November 1, 2023, notices from the European Patent Office (EPO) will have a response period that is computed from the date noted on the communication. This represents a change in EPO procedures. Currently, EPO...more
Partners Martin Zoltick ("Marty") and Brian Rosenbloom will be panelists on the "Practical Masterclass in Patenting AI at the EPO and USPTO", co-organized with Haseltine Lake Kempner LLP (HLK), a global intellectual property...more
The Unified Patent Court (UPC) has issued its first reasoned decisions since launching on June 1 and, as expected, the decisions favor patentees. The UPC’s Local Division Düsseldorf ordered a preliminary injunction in one...more
Hosted by C5, the 16th Annual Forum on Pharma & Biotech Patent Litigation in Europe returns 23-24 May, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam Central Station, Amsterdam with curated programing for you to gain the knowledge and...more
This article is based on a Feb. 2023 Womble Bond Dickinson webinar featuring WBD Partners James Love (UK) and Ryan Cagle, Fabio Marino and Karthika Perumal (U.S.). Patent owners soon will be entering a brave new world...more
The European Patent Office and participating European Countries have established a Unified Patent Court and a European patent with unitary effect (also called a Unitary Patent) that will come into effect on June 1, 2023. ...more
For the past 50 years, it has been possible to obtain a patent in most countries in Europe by filing a single patent application in the European Patent Office (EPO). Such a patent application is prosecuted in the EPO and,...more
Should I stay or should I go? This is the question current owners of European patents and applicants for pending applications are asking as the European Patent with Unitary Effect (“Unitary Patent”) and Unified Patent Court...more
A major change to the European patent system is expected in 2023. Currently, patent owners: 1) validate European patents in individual States, 2) pay renewal fees, and 3) enforce the patent independently in each individual...more
On Oct. 13, 2022, the Administrative Council of the European Patent Office (EPO) voted to change Rule 126(2) of the EPC (the “10-day rule”). This change comes as part of the annual revision cycle for the EPC and PCT-EPO...more
With the introduction of the European Patent with unitary effect (Unitary Patent) and the Unified Patent Court (UPC), the question arises whether the use of this new system makes economic sense for patent owners. Patent...more
Seven years after the Member States of the EU signed the Agreement on a Unified Patent Court (“UPCA”), the Unitary Patent (“UP”) and the Unified Patent Court (“UPC”) are likely to commence during the second half of 2022. This...more
A Unified Patent Court (UPC) is expected to officially open its doors in Europe in late 2022 or early 2023. The UPC is a patent‑specific court established by 24 participating European Union (EU) member states, with the goal...more
Article 84 of the European Patent Convention (EPC) requires that the claims of a European patent application “shall define the matter for which protection is sought” and “shall be clear and concise and be supported by the...more
Not bothering with the upcoming Unitary Patent and Unified Patent Court in your license and other patent-related agreements? Not a good idea, if you want to avoid potentially unpleasant surprises. This Insight flags key...more
The Unitary Patents system – providing for the new Unitary Patent and Unified Patent Court (UPC) – will have a profound impact on patent protection, patent enforcement and patent revocation proceedings in Europe. The Unitary...more