DNA start-up refused UK trademark
An Australian personalised genomics company has failed in its effort to obtain protection for its ‘MyDNA.life’ trademark in the UK.
Braun unit sued for infringing hospital’s patents for artificial joints
A unit belonging to German company Braun has allegedly infringed five patents relating to artificial joints for knee and hip replacements, according to a complaint filed by the Orthopaedic Institute for Children.
Novartis MS drug appeal upheld in Australia
The Federal Court of Australia has backed Novartis’ appeal against a decision revoking its patent covering a multiple sclerosis drug.
Moderna won’t enforce COVID-19 patents
Biopharmaceutical company, Moderna, has announced that it will not enforce patents related to its COVID-19 vaccine while the pandemic is ongoing, and that it is prepared to license the patents to others after the pandemic is over.
Australian court rejects cattle genome patent appeal
The Federal Court of Australia has refused to block a cattle genome patent from the US, dismissing an appeal from Meat and Livestock Australia.
US customs seize ‘astonishing’ amount of counterfeit COVID-19 masks
US Customs and Border Protection officers have seized hundreds of thousands of counterfeit facemasks and unapproved COVID-19 related products worth more than $2.5m during the six weeks leading up to October 1.
South Africa, India urge WTO to waive IP for COVID-19 treatments
South Africa and India have asked the World Trade Organization to cede some stipulations governing IP so that treatments to combat COVID-19 can become more widely available, particularly in low-income countries.
Two female CRISPR scientists win Nobel Prize in historic first
French microbiologist Emmanuelle Charpentier and US biochemist Jennifer Doudna have achieved scientific history by jointly winning the Nobel Prize in chemistry for their seminal work on gene-editing technology, CRISPR.
Regeneron sued over antibody protein used to treat Trump’s COVID-19 symptoms
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals is facing claims that its “antibody cocktail”, which was administered to President Donald Trump to treat his COVID-19 symptoms, was developed with the unauthorised use of a fluorescent protein.
BMS boosts cardio portfolio with $13bn buy
Bristol Myers Squibb has announced it will acquire biotech firm MyoKardia for $13.1 billion, strengthening its portfolio of heart disease treatments.
