USPTO, Small Businesses Talk Patent Reform, Harmonisation, Fee Diversion 02/11/2011 by Liza Porteus Viana, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is working to ensure small businesses and independent inventors have the tools they need to obtain, protect and enforce their patents overseas, as well as domestically, in the wake of patent reform legislation enacted in the United States. Meanwhile, the office is also stepping up global patent harmonisation efforts.
Multiple Defendants In Patent Infringement Filing Under New US Law 28/10/2011 by Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment A company has filed a patent infringement complaint in the Eastern District of Texas that names 30 defendants, including some of the largest US technology companies, a case that reflects a change in US law as passed last month.
Revised EPO Patent For Conventional Broccoli Has Public Interest Ramifications 27/10/2011 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments A patent for a conventionally bred form of the common household vegetable broccoli appears to be on its way to acceptance by the European Patent Office following a change to the patent by the company filing it, according to sources. The decision not to revoke the patent, which has been the subject of protests and now calls for action in national courts, could clear the way for hundreds of other vegetable patents to follow, a source said.
EU High Court Bans Patents On Human Embryo Stem Cells For Commerce 18/10/2011 by Dugie Standeford for Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment The European Union high court today outlawed the patenting of human embryo stem cells for scientific research or commercial purposes. The decision has forced European courts to examine the “ethical boundaries of patenting,” said Greenpeace, which challenged a German patent in the case. While there are alternate methods for obtaining stem cells, the ruling will nevertheless affect some research, one patent lawyer said.
Medicines Patent Pool Signs Deal With Indian Generics Producer 11/10/2011 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments The Medicines Patent Pool, which negotiates voluntary licences for lower pharmaceutical prices, today announced the signing of an agreement with generics producer Aurobindo Pharma Limited to manufacture antiretroviral medicines. The Patent Pool has recently come under criticism from AIDS activists concerned about its July licence agreement with drug company Gilead, and it remains to be seen if this action will address their concerns.
EPO, European Commission Renew Commitment To Unitary Patent 06/10/2011 by Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment The head of the European Patent Office (EPO) and the European Commissioner for Internal Market and Services today renewed their commitment to introduce a unitary EU patent, which they say would significantly ease workloads and reduce costs for patent applicants.
US Patent Law Seen Opening Door To Global Harmonisation At WIPO 25/09/2011 by Rachel Marusak Hermann, Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments Just a week after US patent reform was signed into law, the Symposium of Intellectual Property Authorities opened with an air of celebration on 22 September at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). During the opening session, several keynote speakers congratulated United States Patent and Trademark Office Director David Kappos for the long-awaited legislation helping to harmonise the American patent process with the rest of the world.
US Patent Reform Signed Into Law 16/09/2011 by Intellectual Property Watch 5 Comments US President Obama today signed a bill into law that many patent professionals and international observers may never have thought they’d see: the widescale reform of US patent law. What the impact will be on the US economy or on other nations remains to be seen.
Patent Reform Passes US Senate, Makes History; Obama to Sign: IP-Watch Analysis Shows Who Wins 09/09/2011 by Liza Porteus Viana, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment The United States Senate on Thursday passed historic patent reform legislation – but not before some heated debate on the chamber’s floor. It now goes to President Obama for his signature. Intellectual Property Watch offers a look at who wins and what will now change.
Senate Takes Up Patent Reform; Chairman Vows To Fight Amendments 07/09/2011 by Liza Porteus Viana, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The United States Senate on Tuesday was debating patent reform legislation that would make the first significant reforms to the US patent system in nearly 60 years.