Potter Clarkson

Sometimes the smartest move against a competitor's patent isn't to work around it. It's to oppose it. An EPO opposition can give you clarity on a rival's claim scope, give you more time to assess your position before infringement proceedings develop, or create an opportunity to bring a competitor to the table for a licence. The right timing depends on what you want to achieve - and how an opposition fits into your wider commercial strategy. Considering challenging a competitor's patent? Talk to our oppositions team before you file to explore your options - link in the comments.

The best time to prepare for an opposition is before your patent is even granted. It's often only when opposition proceedings begin that patent owners discover their granted claims have little room for amendment. Without well-developed fall-back positions, your options can become much more limited. Building those positions into your application from the outset gives you greater flexibility if your patent is challenged. And if you're already facing an opposition, we can help you develop the strongest possible defence. Is your patent portfolio opposition-ready? Get in touch via the link in the comments.

mRNA technology has transformed the life sciences landscape, but its rapid rise has also brought intellectual property to the forefront.   In his latest article, Tomasz Wirt (Krzywkowski) explores why mRNA litigation has emerged and what it means for the future of the sector. With intellectual property increasingly shaping access to key technologies, he considers how patent rights, licensing arrangements and commercial strategy may influence the next generation of RNA-based medicines.   As the field advances, the way these disputes are resolved could shape access to key technologies and influence the future direction of RNA-based innovation. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/dYRckxrn

51% of the patents we've opposed at the EPO over the last 10 years were revoked. The industry average is 28%. If you're considering an opposition, experience can make a significant difference. Our results are built on years of refining our strategy across hundreds of opposition cases, oral proceedings and appeals. That's why only 10% of the patents we've opposed were maintained as granted, compared with an industry average of 31%. Want to understand what goes into a successful EPO opposition? Download our free Winning at the EPO brochure via the link in the comments. It explains the practical strategies we've developed to help clients maximise their chances of success.

Meet Jordan Mitchell, a Trainee Trade Mark Attorney in our Nottingham office. Jordan recently provided pro bono support to Notts Pride, helping the charity secure trade mark protection for its brand. Protecting a name can be just as important for a charity as it is for a business. Through this project, Jordan helped protect an important part of Nottingham Pride's identity, supporting the organisation as it continues its work for the LGBTQ+ community. Read our conversation with Jordan, where he shares his experience of supporting Nottingham Pride, the value of trade mark protection for charities, and the impact the project has had for the organisation.

How do you stop counterfeit medicines when fraudulent websites can reappear almost as quickly as they're removed? In her latest article, our Head of Brand Intelligence, Paola Monaldi, explores the High Court's website-blocking order in Novo Nordisk v BT Plc & Ors, what it means for online enforcement in the pharmaceutical sector, and how collaboration between rights holders and regulators could shape future enforcement strategies. Read the full article to learn more: https://lnkd.in/e_JP45uv

Looking for your next HR opportunity? We're looking for a Payroll & HR Advisor to join our team on a 12-month fixed-term maternity cover contract, starting in August 2026. You'll support colleagues across our UK and Nordic offices, leading on payroll and benefits while helping deliver recruitment, onboarding, HR operations and key projects. If you're organised, proactive and enjoy improving processes while delivering a great employee experience, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now: https://lnkd.in/e3NygWru #HRJobs #HRCareers #PeopleProfessionals #Hiring #PotterClarkson

Should your biotech patent strategy work in Europe and the US? When it comes to gene editing, the answer isn't always straightforward. In his latest article, Daniel Madriz Sørensen explores how Europe and the US take fundamentally different approaches to morality-based patent exclusions, and why drafting decisions can have a significant impact on patent protection for biotechnology inventions. Read the full article to learn more: https://lnkd.in/d76as656

Can a vaccine eliminate deaths from a common cancer? New data from England suggests HPV vaccination is doing just that, with no cervical cancer deaths recorded between 2020 and 2024 among women aged 20-24 who were vaccinated as adolescents. In their latest article, Alice Mortiboy and David Gomez Jimenez explore this milestone in cancer prevention, the innovation and patent landscape behind HPV vaccines, and the opportunities that remain to improve prevention and treatment. Read the full article to learn more: https://lnkd.in/dWx-CU6i

When it comes to process chemistry, where does the real value lie: the product, the process, or the know-how? In her latest article, Amy Mead explores how the right IP strategy can protect innovation throughout the scale-up journey. From product and process patents to trade secrets, she examines the considerations that can help businesses maximise value, support investment and maintain a competitive advantage. Read Amy's latest article to learn more: https://lnkd.in/eHRvM-GV