Quantum computing, a field that harnesses quantum physical phenomena such as superposition and entanglement to perform complex computational tasks, is an emerging technology area. The uncertainties regarding the feasibility of technical features and the knowledge possessed by those of ordinary skill in the art in this area give rise to interesting enablement questions.Continue Reading PTAB Rulings Shed Light On Quantum Computing Patents
Many life sciences contracts, including intellectual property licensing agreements, development agreements and supply agreements, contain force majeure clauses. Depending upon the language of these clauses, the COVID-19 pandemic may be an event that triggers these clauses and provides a defense to nonperformance of the contract. Companies that are experiencing difficulties complying with or enforcing compliance with their contracts should carefully examine their contracts to determine if a force majeure clause may excuse performance.
Continue Reading Defending Against Nonperformance Of Life Science Contracts
Pharmaceutical and biotech companies breathed a sigh of relief Monday when the Federal Circuit unanimously ruled in a precedential opinion that the mere sale of manufacturing services to create embodiments of a patented product is not a “commercial sale” of the invention that triggers the on-sale bar of 35 U.S.C. § 102(b) (pre-AIA).[1] The en banc opinion in The Medicines Company v. Hospira Inc., Case No. 14-1469 (Fed. Cir. July 11, 2016) considerably mitigates patent law’s disparate treatment of inventors who rely upon contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs) and an those who manufacture in-house.
Continue Reading En Banc: Federal Circuit Provides Guidance on Application of On-Sale Bar to Contract Manufacturers