James Ellsmore

Australian biotech company Genetic Technologies (GTG) has commenced proceedings in the United States against nine other life sciences companies which it says are exploiting GTG’s patented non-coding (or “junk”) DNA technology without GTG’s permission.

Is the grant of a patent the most effective way of encouraging medical research and innovation? 

The High Court has refused to grant special leave from a decision of the Full Federal Court (H Lundbeck A/S v Alphapharm Pty Ltd [2009] FCAFC 70) concerning a patent for the (+)-enantiomer of citalopram, known as escitalopram.

In an update to our earlier post, the High Court has refused an application by Dura-Post for special leave to appeal from a decision of the Full Federal Court.

Yesterday, the US Supreme Court heard oral arguments from both sides in Bilski v Kappos over whether American law should permit patents for business methods.

A report prepared by an advisory committee to the Secretary of Health & Human Services in the United States has recommended that US patent law should be amended to create an exemption from liability for persons who infringe patents for genetic testing technologies. 

For the third time this year, the Federal Government has amended the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989.