Patents | Intellepedia

IP in Everyday Life – Aircraft Seat Belts

The post examines the patent protection of aircraft seat belts, focusing on Am-safe Inc’s innovation in webbing adjusters. It highlights the significance of such patents in passenger safety and the broader impact of IP rights in everyday life.

Synthetic cell: Patent or No Patent?

The post explores the legal and ethical dimensions of patenting synthetic cells, referencing key historical cases and current controversies. It assesses whether such patents hinder or promote technological progress in synthetic biology.

Natural or Man Made

This post analyses the product of nature doctrine and gene patentability under US law, with reference to the BRCA gene patent case. It objectively evaluates legal and ethical perspectives, emphasising the importance of balancing innovation with access.

The Gene Returns to its Body

Judge Sweet’s landmark ruling held that isolated gene sequences and their analysis are not patentable under US law. This decision invalidated key BRCA gene patents and marks a significant shift in the legal approach to biotechnology patents in the United States.

Claiming with a Purpose, with the Blessings of the Inventor

The post examines the critical role of purpose-driven patent claims and stresses the need for inventor participation in the patent protection process. Effective collaboration ensures claims are commercially relevant and robust.

Something More About Swiss Type Claims

This post explores the rationale, development and eventual redundancy of Swiss type claims in patent law. It analyses legal changes in Europe and India regarding second medical use, absolute novelty and recent judicial clarifications.

Swiss Claims are History!

The EPO decision G02/08 has made Swiss type claims a thing of the past, favouring purpose-related product claims for subsequent medical indications. This post examines the legal developments and implications under current European patent law.

Story of an Unchallenged Patent: Certainly Uncertain

This post analyses the uncertainty inherent in interpreting patent claim scope under Indian, US, and European regimes. Despite formal clarity requirements, the true boundaries of protection remain subject to individual interpretation and litigation outcome.

How Can We Encourage Inventors to Invent?

This post discusses the essential incentives that motivate inventors, including recognition, supportive work environments, personnel policies, and financial rewards. It emphasises the importance of a balanced, well-designed mechanism tailored to organisational goals and sector-specific requirements.

Model to Combat Patent Risks in Open Source Software

The defensive patent license model offers a structured approach to reduce patent risks in open source software. While it faces implementation and philosophical challenges, it remains a significant initiative for the open source community seeking to mitigate litigation threats.