Protecting and Enforcing Life Science Inventions in Europe

This Handbook is specially made for patent applicants. It provides the options, scope and methods of protection, along with measures to preserve patent infringement in biotechnology and life sciences sector. It also includes, where necessary, special explanations of the natural scientific areas in connection with specific patent measures. The largely re-written 2nd edition reflects the state of scientific knowledge regarding the deciphering of the human genome. The subtitle of the work ("From Antibodies to Zebrafish") refers to the spread of patentable inventions or discoveries. Topics discussed:

Life Science Issues

Legal Provisions (European Patent Convention – EPC; EU Law)

General Aspects of Protection (Protection under the EPC; Protection under the EU regulations)

Protectable Substances in the Life Sciences (Small molecules and polymers; Nucleic acids; Proteins; Antibodies; Micro-organisms; Plants; Animals; Human Body)

Patent Infringement (Scope of Protection; Enforcement options; Antitrust; Unitary Patent)