Patent Office conference places genetic diagnostic patenting under the microscope

The Patent Office hosted a conference for leading biotechnology and healthcare scientists across the United Kingdom (UK) to discuss issues in intellectual property (IP) protection in gene-based testing of medical conditions, on Friday 10 February.

The event in Newport was set up due to the increasing importance of Genetic Testing Technology as an emerging science and the challenges it poses in terms of IP protection. The Patent Office, which has been building links with organisations in this field, took this opportunity to discuss the parameters for IP in this new and complex area with representatives from public and private sectors, as well as knowledge transfer and legal professionals.

The conference covered trends in gene patenting internationally, commercialisation issues, the licensing of genetic inventions and the UK's methods of examining genetic patent applications.

For the last two years, The Patent Office’s Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals Group in the Patents Directorate has been looking at the issues with National Health Service (NHS) intellectual property professionals and the Wales Gene Park (WGP), an organisation which harnesses genetics for improved healthcare, education and innovation.

Speakers at conference included Chief Executive of The Patent Office, Ron Marchant, Professor Nick Lench, Director of the Wales Gene Park and Dr Maire Smith, Director of Product Technology and Innovation at the NHS Institute of Innovation and Improvement.

Chief Executive of the Patent Office Ron Marchant said:

"Genetic Testing Technology is a new and important area, so it is essential that the Patent Office engages with innovators in the field and legal professionals to gauge their needs for IP protection in this science. The conference provides opportunities to look at the effectiveness of the current system and assess future improvement."

Director of the Wales Gene Park, Professor Nick Lench said:

"The Wales Gene Park is delighted to be part of this important conference. As part of the UK Genetics Knowledge Parks Network, WGP is dedicated to promoting discussion and debate in this complex, but extremely important area of activity. The partnership WGP is building with The Patent Office will enable the exchange of knowledge and best practice about the mechanics of IP that will benefit the UK genetics community in academia, the NHS and industry."

Director of Product Technology and Innovation at the NHS Institute of Innovation and Improvement, Dr Maire Smith said:

"This proved to be a very important meeting. It is clear that we should be working more closely in partnership with the NHS, the NHS Innovation Hubs, the Patent Office, universities and industry to protect intellectual property. This will ensure that UK competitiveness is maintained with the added achievement of our goal of 21st Century patient care."

More information (professional section) about The Patent Office's current policy with regards to genetic patenting is available on this website.

Date of press release 14 February 2006