What will the talk cover?

The requirements for obtaining granted patents for biological inventions, and in particular antibody therapeutics, have changed dramatically over the last couple of decades. As the science develops so does the law and the way in which the European Patent Office examines such inventions has become tougher, but more clear and consistent. In this talk, Ross Cummings, a biotech focused Patent Attorney at GJE, will discuss how much and what kind of data is required to get antibody patents of different scopes granted. Ross will also talk about common pitfalls to be avoided early on in the patent filing process for such inventions and how to know when you are ready to file that first patent application. This talk will cut through the legal jargon to focus on providing practical tips to help startup companies build commercially relevant patent portfolios to drive investment.

Ross Cummings, a Director at the IP firm Gill Jennings & Every LLP (GJE) will outline the possibilities for companies to adopt different filing strategies based on their commercial needs. 

You may find our most recent articles from our Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals sector groups useful. Recent updates include:

Get Your Priorities Right – A Guide to Establishing and Maintaining a Valid Priority at the EPO

Is Dasatinib Dead? – An Incredible Change to the Plausibility Threshold

Proving Plausibility – How a Deficient Disclosure can be Terminal for a Patent: Part 1

Proving Plausibility – Can Post-filed Evidence Support your Patent: Part 2

Who will be speaking?

Ross’ core practice is in drafting and prosecuting UK and European patent applications. Ross is known for his clear and accessible explanations of complex matters and has a strong track record of getting difficult cases granted at the European Patent Office. Ross also has a very high success rate with European oppositions and appeals, both defending and opposing.

Main specialisms

Ross’ areas of specialism are mainly in the biotechnology, diagnostics and therapeutics fields but he also assists clients in the medical device field. He has particular experience in the following technologies:

• Cell and Gene therapies
• Immuno-oncology, nucleic acid and antibody therapeutics
• Vaccines and immunology
• Pharmaceuticals and biologics
• Gene sequencing and genetic engineering
• Microbiome therapies and microbiology
• Drug re-purposing, formulations and dosage regimes
• Drug delivery and implantable devices
• Alternative protein, cultured meat and plant technology
• Agricultural biotech technologies.

Who are GJE?

Gill Jennings & Every (GJE) are a firm of European Patent, Trade Mark & Design Attorneys. We act throughout the UK and EU – through both our London and Munich offices.

We are ranked as the No.1 European IP firm by the Financial Times. In addition, we have received six Gold Awards for our work in the following industry sectors: Chemistry & Pharmaceuticals, Electrical Engineering, IT & Software, Materials & Nanotechnology, Mechanical Engineering, and Biotechnology and Food industries.

We work with an extensive and varied list of clients - from early-stage start-ups all the way through to global brands, and everyone in-between. 

Clients include Procter and Gamble, producer of many of the UK's most well-known household brands. GJE prosecutes and defends a very active, high-value IP portfolio of currently over 1500 patents and patent applications across 70+ countries for the world’s leading banknote supplier, De La Rue. 

Some of our clients in the Biotech and Pharma industry include:

• Immodulon Therapeutics
• Prokarium
• Randox Laboratories
• Imperial College Innovations
• Oxford University Innovations
• Mylan

Some of our other well-known clients include:

• MasterCard
• Hasbro
• Xerox
• Micron Technology
• Rockwool International A/S

Filing a well-prepared patent, trade mark or design registration may be critical to the future of your business. How it is written defines not just your innovation or identity but also the competitive landscape you wish to operate in. But there is more to intellectual property than filing a document. Other things to consider will include the amount of potential or unidentified IP in your business; the level of competition in your industry; licensing the technology to others; and key target markets. GJE’s attorneys consider all these issues and provide solutions to both grow and protect your business.

Please submit the form to be sent the link to the webinar and submit any questions you would like answered within the session.

If you think you would benefit from a complimentary 30 minute session with Ross to discuss your IP needs, please book a timeslot here.