Ian Lambert and Victor Caddy join as members of the LLP

A recent High Court decision  has change d the UK Intellectual Property Office’s practice of refusing patent claims that cover a “computer program product” (i.e. a CD-ROM or the like containing software for distribution).   The Office previously did not allow such claims on the basis that they believed them to be excluded under the UK Patents Act.   However, the High Court found that in cases where the computer-implemented method itself is patentable then there should be no reason to refuse a claim covering a product storing the program.

The London Agreement will come into force on 1 May 2008, paving the way for lower translation costs for European patents. Significant cost savings are possible, making this development very good news for patentees.

The French Senate has now authorised the ratification of the London Agreement, which will significantly reduce the translation requirements, in many countries, at the post grant stage of European Patents.

The 2007 Nobel Prize for medicine has been jointly awarded to Sir Martin Evans  for his pioneering contribution to stem cell research