World-first CRISPR/Cas9 therapy approval opens up old IP wounds

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Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc and CRISPR Therapeutics AG have gained a world-first regulatory approval for the use of a CRISPR-based gene editing therapy in patients, as the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) granted conditional marketing authorisation for CASGEVY.[1],[2] CASGEVY is a therapy designed to treat sickle-cell disease and inherited blood disorders, and works …
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StockX jumps on bad faith trade mark

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Trade mark squatting, where a person registers a trade mark merely to sell for a profit at a later time, is a big issue in China and a headache for many brand owners. It doesn’t occur as frequently in Australia largely due to our first to use regime which differs from China’s first to file …
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What a wonderful digital world

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An uptick in trade mark applications for virtual goods and services as consumers look to the metaverse to buy luxury products and enjoy virtual experiences illustrates how societal trends can influence trade mark filings. This is no surprise given Metaverse Fashion Week is now an annual event featuring big brands such as Coach, Adidas and …
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PCT application searching on the world stage

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IP Australia has recently updated its list of countries where it is considered a competent International Search Authority (ISA) and International Preliminary Examination Authority (IPEA) under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) which now includes Brunei Darussalam, Jordan , Iraq , Mauritius  and Oman. For PCT applicants filing with agreed receiving offices (Ros), it is now …
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POF client elected chair of Australian ACS Chapter

Dr Stephen Clarke, the Chief Chemist for our client Change Climate, has recently been elected as the Chair of the Australian International Chapter of the American Chemical Society (ACS). The ACS is the largest scientific representative society in the world, with the Australian chapter being one of 26 international chapters. We’re delighted to celebrate Stephen’s …
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Search twice, launch once

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The importance of conducting clearance searches prior to launching a new brand or product line has again been highlighted by the decision in The Agency v H.A.S Real Estate. Ultimately the court found that HAS had not infringed The Agency’s trade marks due to a lack of sufficient similarity between the signs as registered and …
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