The CRISPR IP Saga - the latest chapter and looking to the next

CRISPR gene-editing continues to hit the headlines regularly as a ground-breaking technology with many millions now flowing into companies seeking to exploit the technology in both the therapeutic and agricultural fields. Unfortunately, the IP landscape continues to lack clarity with possibility of divergence between Europe and the US. This webinar will provide an update on the CRISPR IP saga and seek to shine light on the interplay between the latest chapter in the US, starting with new interference proceedings instigated by the USPTO, and opposition and appeal proceedings affecting key European patents at the European Patent Office. With oral proceeding now scheduled for early February 2020 for the opposition to the basic European patent of the University of California et al. and availability of a non-binding preliminary opinion on the arguments from the opposition board, it is an apt time for review of the main focus of the battle - coverage of CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing in eukaryotic cells. The webinar will also discuss the considerations for those needing to think about freedom-to–operate in the absence of resolution of a standard for CRISPR gene-editing for therapy and the growing number of claims outside the main battle lines. This webinar is aimed at those wishing to hear about the latest developments in the CRISPR IP landscape whether in the commercial, academic, legal or patent world. With the CRISPR IP saga not evidently close to the final chapter, it will also provide an opportunity to raise questions which may arise from the on–going lack of clarity.