PROTACs and Protein Degraders: Claiming Space in a Crowded IP Field

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The emergence of protein degraders, including proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) and molecular glues, represents one of the most exciting shifts in drug discovery over the past 20 years.  By harnessing the body’s own protein disposal machinery, protein degraders can selectively remove disease-causing proteins, opening the door to treatments for previously ‘undruggable’ targets. Recent clinical milestones, such …
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USPTO Significantly Increases Fees From January 2025

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The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has announced significant fee changes for US IP rights, effective from 18 January 2025.  PatentsOn top of an increase of about 7.5% to most patent fees, significant increases and new fees have been introduced to incentivize efficient patent prosecution strategies and reduce the burden on patent examiners. …
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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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The proper role of expert evidence

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The decision in UbiPark v TMA Capital Australia[1] provides some useful commentary on the role of expert witness evidence in a patent infringement and revocation action. Moshinsky J, referenced various authorities at [55] to [63] on the principles of construction of a patent and the role the expert witness plays in that exercise. At [59] …
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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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Australian CRISPR update: Federal Court doubles down on unpatentable ToolGen gene editing claims

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The Australian Federal Court yesterday confirmed that the accepted patent application owned by ToolGen Inc. and directed to CRISPR/Cas9 systems and methods of genome editing in eukaryotic cells contains no patentable claims.1 The Court found that all claims of ToolGen’s application2 lacked entitlement to the earliest priority date,3 lacked novelty or inventive step, and were …
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Raising the bar, and the matter of support

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Following the 2012 Raising the Bar reforms, Australia’s Patents Act requires that patent claims are supported by matter disclosed in the specification. This means that the description must enable a skilled person to perform the invention across the full breadth of the claim without undue burden, and the claim scope must be commensurate with the …
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POF achieves top ranking for patent prosecution in IAM Patent 1000 2023

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We are pleased to announce that POF achieved a Tier 1 (Gold) Ranking in the 2023 IAM Patent 1000, citing our tailored and commercially focussed IP services and our Asia Direct filing model as stand-out features of the firm. Many of our attorneys were also individually recognised for their outstanding work. POF Managing Principal Ross McFarlane once again …
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