The European Patent Package is expected to come into force in 2017 at the latest, possibly already next year. At the same time, the EPO continues to create new challenges for applicants as well as parties to opposition and appeal proceedings. Some applicants therefore consider more thoroughly whether national IP rights are a suitable alternative to European patents. The differences between national and European prosecution/litigation will become more pronounced and the system more complex after establishment of the Unified Patent Court.
In the United States, the case law on patent eligibility of computer-related and biotechnology inventions continues to evolve. The US Patent Office continues to play an important role in patent litigation in the United States and new proposed rules of practice before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board seek to increase the efficiency and quality of PTAB decisions. There have also been some recent Federal Circuit decisions that are impacting US patent practice, and changes in design patent practice.
In view of these developments it seems increasingly important to have a clear perspective and thorough knowledge of the relevant systems to be able to decide on the best strategy and to cope with any challenges in both the prosecution and litigation areas. This year’s CPPC seminar will provide you with that knowledge and insight for Europe and the US.
The first seminar day (November 17) will provide an update on the most relevant patent law developments in general.
In view of the forthcoming implementation of the European Patent Package, we will dedicate the morning of the second day (November 18) to the Unitary Patent and the UPC.
In the afternoon of the second day, we will focus on IP issues of particular interest for the life sciences industries.
As in the past years, in addition to comparative views of the situation in the U.S. and Europe, expert comments from a Japanese perspective will be provided.
Simultaneous interpretation into Japanese will be provided throughout both days.
On the evening of November 17, all seminar participants are invited to the CPPC Reception at the Roppongi Hills Club (51st floor).