Life Sciences

Life sciences patent law is one of the most challenging and evolving areas of intellectual property law. With highly qualified patent attorneys in both the UK and Germany, our team is well-placed to help clients navigate the specific exclusions that vary between different countries.

Life science patent portfolio management

Patents are one of the main drivers of innovation in the life science industry. We strengthen the commercial position of our clients by giving practical advice that can help increase value in their business.

We are skilled in monitoring competitors’ patent portfolios and identifying potential strengths and weaknesses. We give opinions on freedom to operate, perform due diligence when our clients are preparing to expand, and pursue those who are infringing our clients’ intellectual property rights.

Our team of life science patent attorneys are industry leaders. Many of our professionals have backgrounds in research science and understand the challenges of transforming research into a commercial product. We have particular knowledge in fields as diverse as:

medical devices
chemistry
microbiology
recombinant viruses
polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
protein crystallography
flow cytometry
molecular biology
biochemistry
immunology
antibodies.

We can also provide advice on Plant Variety Rights, Registered and Unregistered Design Rights and Supplementary Protection Certificates.

Which life sciences inventions are patentable in the UK and Europe?

Compared to many territories, the UK and Europe generally have an applicant friendly approach to the patentability of life sciences technology, provided the usual requirements for patentability are met.

Which life sciences inventions are not patentable in the UK and Europe?

Certain technology in the life sciences sector is excluded from patentability. Methods for treatment of the human or animal body by surgery or therapy and diagnostic methods practised on the human or animal body are not patentable. However, this exclusion does not apply to products such as substances or compositions and medical instruments.

Life Sciences Intellectual Property Experts in Scotland

Our IP attorneys in Scotland have a particular focus on life sciences. They advise clients of all sizes in preparing, filing and prosecuting patent applications on an international scale, including in the USA and Europe. The team also has experience advising university spin-outs, start-up companies and entrepreneurs, particularly common in this research-heavy industry.

Sector Expertise

Our technical expertise extends across all industries, technologies and involves all areas of business.

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Engineering & Physics

We have been helping clients to obtain patent protection in the fields of engineering and physics for many years and continue to excel in this area.

IT, Software & Electronics

Maucher Jenkins has long been recognised as one of Europe’s leading IP firms across the broad field of electronics, computing and software and has pioneered patent law in this field.

Artificial Intelligence

Our patent attorneys have a wealth of experience in artificial intelligence technologies. We obtain patent protection for a range of companies from large multinational corporations to start-ups.

Telecommunications

As telecommunications have rapidly developed, so too has our reputation as leading patent attorneys in this field. We ensure our clients’ work is secure with patent protection across Europe, China and the rest of the world.

Biotechnology

Our biotechnology patent attorneys have broad experience in intellectual property protection in this highly complex area. Our team can help you secure your inventions with patent protection, ensuring the commercial success of your innovation.

Chemistry & Pharmaceuticals

Our patent attorneys are industry leaders who protect and enforce intellectual property rights in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries.

Medtech & Medical Devices

Our patent attorneys have been helping clients obtain medtech and medical device patents for over 30 years.

Green Energy

Our patent attorneys have a wide range of expertise across the varied technologies involved in the transition to sustainable and renewable energy.

Consumer Products

Because of the value of everyday objects and products to consumers, their branding is extremely important. Consumer products’ branding, packaging and shape are therefore extremely important, and we can advise on the best way to protect these elements.

Media

Maucher Jenkins has a wealth of experience in patenting inventions in the areas of broadcast, digital and social media, such as targeted advertising, electronic programme guides, mobile apps and gaming.

Nanotechnology

With specialist knowledge of semiconductor technology, materials science, bio-nanotech and nano-analysis, Maucher Jenkins is well placed to provide you with expert advice on protecting your innovations in nanotechnology.

Contact Maucher Jenkins

Our IP attorneys and staff in London are trained in searching and watching, filing and prosecution of our clients’ intellectual property.

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