News
The latest insights, sector developments and case updates from Potter Clarkson. Explore up-to-date content from our experts and stay informed on the issues shaping the IP landscape.
Kodak v FujiFilm: the Court of Appeal confirms UPC’s long-arm jurisdiction
In an eagerly awaited decision, the UPC Court of Appeal has provided detailed guidance on the UPC’s extra-territorial reach - 11 months after the Mannheim Local Division’s landmark decision granting an injunction covering the UK.
In an eagerly awaited decision, the UPC Court of Appeal has provided detailed guidance on the UPC’s extra-territorial reach - 11 months after the Mannheim Local Division’s landmark decision granting an injunction covering the UK.
Comparing EPC Article 53(a) and US patent law in gene editing ethics
While morality-based exclusions have long existed in patent law as a mechanism to prevent protection of inventions considered contrary to public policy or ethical principles, they have historically played only a limited role in practice. That position changed in recent decades with advances in biotechnology, particularly in stem cells and gene editing, which have brought patent law into direct contact with questions such as the use of human embryos, modification of genetic identity and the acceptable treatment of animals.
The article compares how Europe and the US handle ethics in gene-editing patents. While US patent law largely ignores moral considerations and focuses on technical innovation, European patent law applies ethical exclusions to inventions involving areas such as human embryos, germline modification and animal suffering. As a result, biotech patent applications that are acceptable in the US may face challenges in Europe.
EPO Board of Appeal refers claim interpretation and added matter questions
A Board of Appeal (BoA) at the EPO has referred new questions to the Enlarged Board of Appeal (EBA) on broadly two issues: (1) the role of the description in interpreting patent claims, both generally and when assessing added matter under Article 123(2) EPC; and (2) the admissibility threshold for referrals to the EBA.
A Board of Appeal (BoA) at the EPO has referred new questions to the Enlarged Board of Appeal (EBA) on broadly two issues: (1) the role of the description in interpreting patent claims, both generally and when assessing added matter under Article 123(2) EPC; and (2) the admissibility threshold for referrals to the EBA.
Creating an effective IP strategy for CAR-T
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T‑cell therapy has rapidly evolved into one of the most competitive and complex areas of biotech innovation. As such, an effective IP strategy for CAR-T is now beyond commercially critical.
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T‑cell therapy has rapidly evolved into one of the most competitive and complex areas of biotech innovation. As such, an effective IP strategy for CAR-T is now beyond commercially critical.
When is a synbio company a gene therapy company?
The UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has launched a consultation on proposed changes to the definition of Gene Therapy Medicinal Products (GTMPs) under the Human Medicines Regulations 2012. The deadline for responses is 22 June 2026.
The UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has launched a consultation on proposed changes to the definition of Gene Therapy Medicinal Products (GTMPs) under the Human Medicines Regulations 2012. The deadline for responses is 22 June 2026.
IAM Patent 1000: The World's Leading Patent Professionals 2026
We’re proud to share that Potter Clarkson has once again been ranked among the world’s leading patent firms in the IAM Patent 1000: The World’s Leading Patent Professionals 2026.
We’re proud to share that Potter Clarkson has once again been ranked among the world’s leading patent firms in the IAM Patent 1000: The World’s Leading Patent Professionals 2026.
PCOS name changes to PMOS: Will PCOS’ name change impact patent applications
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) has officially been renamed Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) after a global medical consensus. Experts say the new name better reflects the condition's hormonal, metabolic and reproductive impact on millions of women, but will PCOS’ name change impact patent applications?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) has officially been renamed Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) after a global medical consensus. Experts say the new name better reflects the condition's hormonal, metabolic and reproductive impact on millions of women, but will PCOS’ name change impact patent applications?
Drug repurposing in the age of AI: lessons from COVID-19 and the future of second medical use innovation
Identifying novel therapeutic indications for approved drugs beyond their original medical scope is a cornerstone of modern life sciences innovation.
AI is changing how new uses for existing drugs are found, building on the momentum created during the pandemic. As discovery speeds up, having a clear and well-timed IP strategy is key to turning those ideas into real value.
How to file an opposition at the European Patent Office (EPO)
An opposition is a central way for third parties to challenge a granted European patent.
An opposition to a European patent must be filed with the EPO, either in writing or electronically with the official fee paid at the time of filing.
Of a Dame and the King (of Beer): when an indefinite trade mark licence can end
Of a Dame and the King (of Beer) – An indefinite trade mark licence doesn’t necessarily last forever and the termination of a long-running commercial arrangement doesn’t necessarily require a long period of notice to be “reasonable”.
Recent decisions from the UK Court of Appeal and the Privy Council highlight that an “indefinite” trade mark licence does not necessarily last forever and may be terminated on reasonable notice.
Process patents, product patents, or trade secrets? Choosing the right IP strategy in chemical manufacturing
Many of the most valuable advances in chemical manufacturing happen quietly, in process design, catalyst choice, and scale up know how rather than in new compounds.
Many innovations in chemical manufacturing come from process improvements rather than new molecules. A clear IP strategy helps protect that know how and support growth from lab to plant.
How can patents and designs maximise the value of a fashion business?
When people think about intellectual property in fashion, they often think first about branding.
Fashion businesses often create real value through materials, construction and design features, but many miss the chance to protect it.
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The UK cyber security market in 2026: growth, investment and the road to 2031
The UK cyber security market is entering a defining growth phase.
The UK cyber security market is moving into a critical growth phase, driven by rising threat levels, tighter regulation and the reality that cyber resilience is now a core business requirement.
How can trade marks maximise the value of a fashion brand?
A fashion brand can spend years building recognition in a name, only to discover too late that the name was never properly secured.
A fashion brand can spend years building recognition in a name, only to discover too late that the name was never properly secured.
How to prepare your IP for debt finance lending
As more lenders embrace the value of intangible assets, intellectual property (IP) has emerged as a powerful lever for companies seeking debt financing.
As more lenders embrace the value of intangible assets, intellectual property (IP) has emerged as a powerful lever for companies seeking debt financing.
Can you use IP as collateral to secure debt financing as your business develops?
Securing debt finance is rarely straightforward, particularly for businesses that are pivoting, diversifying or launching new product lines.
A well‑protected IP portfolio can provide real security, helping businesses access debt finance even where traditional assets are limited.