European life sciences industry associations have voiced concerns over the latest addition to the European Patent Office’s ambitious Early Certainty Initiative. While cutting the time for determining patentability to six months from filing, and streamlining the duration of the opposition procedure from 26 down to 15 months have been widely applauded, they warn that plans for a one-size-fits-all plan that limits examination time to 12 months will harm the life sciences sector.
Adaptimmune raises US$42m
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EFPIA: Engaging for pharma innovation
AppointmentsIn April, Nathalie Moll has taken on her new job as Director General of the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA). Moll is also Secretary General of Europe’s largest biotech industry group EuropaBio.
Endomag: Going beyond the horizons
AppointmentsMenarini expands into CTC liquid biopsy
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Crowdfunding campaign
Sponsored PublicationsHelp Medicortex to develop a diagnostic kit for brain injury detection.
Astellas to acquire Ogeda SA
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Janssen terminates daratumab development in NHL
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Biostep Forum: Bioeconomy strategy update uncertain
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Industry criticises EPO plans
BackgroundEarly Certainty Initiative: Disincentive to patenting
OpinionThe decision of the European Patent Office to examine all patent applications within 12 months can unintentionally block companies from filing for life sciences patents in Europe, says Gavin Recchia, Principal of one of Australia’s largest patent attorneys’ firms.