Related insights: Life Sciences and Pharmaceuticals
UK Supreme Court gives a strict interpretation on the rules of sufficiency
13 Jul 2020
The UK's Supreme Court ("UKSC") has handed down its eagerly awaited judgment in the dispute between Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc ("Regeneron") and Kymab Limited ("Kymab"). The invention by Regeneron related to the creation of a type of transgenic mouse (the "VelocImmune") that is more effective in its receipt of human antibody genes, for the production of human antibodies. As such, this genetically modified mouse has been regarded as a major breakthrough in the field of bio pharmaceuticals. Nevertheless, despite such an advancement, the UKSC has held that the patents upon which Regeneron based its innovative platform are invalid for lack of sufficiency because the claims, as construed, would include a range of modified mice, some of which it would not have been possible to produce as at the priority date of February 2001.
Procedural errors by patent administrator cause SPC loss to Genentech
03 Jul 2020
In a recent patent case, the grant of a supplementary protection certificate ("SPC") – which gives up to five years' extra patent protection – was revoked by the UK High Court as a consequence of annuity fees being underpaid by a company's agent.
WBD advises on Molendotech funding to accelerate tests for harmful bacteria
11 May 2020
Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD) has advised Molendotech, a University of Plymouth spinout company, on securing an investment to speed the development of its novel bacteria-testing technology.
Transatlantic team advises longstanding US client on major investment
30 Apr 2020
Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD) has advised Camden Partners Nexus, a Baltimore-based venture capital firm with a focus on biomedical technology companies, on its participation in an $80m series B investment round in COMPASS Pathways.
Unified Patent Court ratification declared unconstitutional by German court
03 Apr 2020
The German Federal Constitutional Court has recently made a finding that Germany's ratification of the Agreement on a Unified Patent Court is unconstitutional.
Shanks v Unilever: a pragmatic result following a long drawn out saga
27 Jan 2020
Inventions made by employees and protected under the Patents Act 1977 (the "1977 Act") which have exceptional success on the market may entitle that employee to a fair share of the benefit received by their employer.
The impact of the UK's ageing population on pensions
18 Sep 2019
It will come as no surprise to hear that the UK's population is ageing. The Office for National Statistics predicts that more than 24% of people living in the UK will be aged 65 or older by 2042, up from 18% in 2016.
WBD's Newcastle-based corporate team secures £3.5m investment for Biosignatures
08 Aug 2019
Womble Bond Dickinson's (WBD) Newcastle-based corporate team has secured a £3.5 million investment for Nonlinear Technologies Ltd, parent company of Biosignatures Ltd from Accelerated Digital Ventures (ADV) (a partner of the British Business Bank's Enterprise Capital Funds, programme).
WBD advises on major acquisition for Mpac Group PLC
12 Jun 2019
WBD has advised international client Mpac Group Plc (Mpac) on its acquisition of the entire issued share capital of Lambert Automation Limited (Lambert) for an initial consideration of £15.0 million.
WBD client Sterling Pharma Solutions completes transatlantic acquisition of US business
25 Apr 2019
From North East England to the Southeastern United States, Sterling Pharma Solutions is making great things happen in the life sciences sector—and Womble Bond Dickinson is providing the transatlantic legal support to help Sterling achieve those goals.
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