Category Biodiversity/Genetic Resources/Biotech

New Gene-Editing Technology Whets Appetites In Health, Food Industry, Fuels Patent Fights

A new discovery allowing easier and swifter genome editing, considered by some as a major game changer in the field of biology, is opening doors to new technological wonders in many areas, such as medicines and agriculture. Yesterday, the United States Patent and Trademark Office issued a ruling on a case where two US university laboratories both claimed the invention of a genome editing technique. The USPTO decided that the two universities had made distinct discoveries. In Europe, patents from both universities on the technology are also challenged at the European Patent Office.

Kenya Works With Communities On Genetic Resources And Traditional Knowledge Protection

NAIROBI, Kenya -- Excessive degradation and over-exploitation of plant biodiversity in Kenya has led to depletion of some species and narrowed their genetic base. Apart from the conservation challenge, utilisation and sharing of benefits from plant genetic resources and traditional and associated knowledge among communities has also remained opaque despite constitutional guarantees.

Patentability Of Some Biotech Uncertain In Europe As Examination, Opposition Suspended

The patentability of plants or animals that have been obtained by natural occurrence such as selection and crossing has been a recurrent issue discussed at the European Patent Office (EPO). A recent notice from the European Commission challenged a ruling by the EPO Enlarged Board of Appeal on such patents, prompting yet more discussions in the organisation. In the meantime, all examination and opposition on such patents have been halted at the EPO. Industry is concerned that the EPO ruling might be questioned, and warns of effects on innovation, harm to applicants. Civil society is concerned about a non-transparent process.

Virus Genetic Information Hot Topic At WHO; Flu Framework Under Nagoya Needs More Time

World Health Organization members decided more consideration is needed to address the genetic information of flu viruses in the organisation’s pandemic framework, and the suggestion to have the framework considered as a special instrument under the Nagoya Protocol on access and benefit sharing of genetic resources.

Kenyan Livestock Breeders Call For Protection Of Their IP Rights

The lack of an intellectual property regime for animal breeding in Kenya is undermining efforts to curb illegal exploitation of Kenyan animal genetic resources, according to industry representatives.

Nagoya Protocol Implications For Health, Flu Genetic Data On WHO Board Agenda

The World Health Organization recently published its analysis about the public health implications of the Nagoya Protocol on genetic resources access and benefit-sharing, and in particular how it affects the sharing of pathogens, like influenza viruses. The findings are set to be discussed at this month’s WHO Executive Board meeting. Also to be discussed is an experts group review of the WHO pandemic influenza framework, and in particular its conclusion that the framework should be amended to match scientific progress.

US Biotech Industry To India’s Modi: Follow Our IP Practices, Get ‘Tidal Wave’ Of Investment

US Biotechnology Innovation Organization CEO Jim Greenwood told Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi this week if he follows western practices on intellectual property protection, his country would see a "tidal wave" of biotech industry investment.

ARIPO Amends Protocol On Patents, Utility Models And Designs

The Harare Protocol on Patents, Industrial Designs and Utility Models has been amended. The amendments were adopted by the 40th Session of the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) Administrative Council, and came into operational effect from 1 January 2017.

Top IP-Watch Stories Of 2016 Reflect Cutting Edge Issues, Lingering Concerns

Hundreds of thousands of people visited articles on Intellectual Property Watch last year, and we published nearly 1,000 original articles. The year’s most-visited articles reflected a mix of new ideas and policies worldwide and some recurring issues, with especially heavy attention on stories involving India.