News

Priority patent applications for biotech and chemistry startups

One of the first questions many biotechnology, synthetic biology, and chemistry startups ask is: "do we need experimental data before filing a priority application?"‍

The article explains that whether data is needed to file a priority patent application depends on the nature of the invention and whether the application provides a genuine, enabling disclosure. For startups, the key is to balance filing early with including enough technical support to establish that the invention is credible, particularly for therapeutic and other unpredictable inventions.

The deal killers investors often find too late: An IP lawyer’s guide to investor readiness

Private equity firms and venture capital investors spend significant time and money on due diligence because they know the biggest risks are often hidden beneath what can look like impressive growth numbers.

The article highlights the key IP, legal, ownership and governance risks that can emerge during investor due diligence, from unclear IP ownership and inadequate protection to software, compliance and documentation gaps. It explains why identifying and addressing these issues early can reduce uncertainty, strengthen investor confidence and help businesses maximise their chances of securing investment.

Potter Clarkson experts recognised in Lexology Index 2026

Several Potter Clarkson patent and trade mark professionals have been recognised in the Lexology Index 2026, reflecting their expertise and standing within the intellectual property profession.

Several Potter Clarkson patent and trade mark professionals have been recognised in the Lexology Index 2026

HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer: prevention to precision treatment

HPV vaccination could eventually reduce HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer, particularly in men, but this will take decades to become evident. Meanwhile, new treatments and biomarker-guided approaches offer significant clinical and IP opportunities.

Unlocking the future of cleantech

Unlocking the future of cleantech explores the specific challenges facing the next generation of cleantech innovators as they move from breakthrough ideas to commercial reality.

Unlocking the future of cleantech explores the challenges of commercialising and scaling cleantech innovation, from securing investment and navigating regulation to managing supply chains and market adoption. It also examines how IP can help innovators protect their ideas, attract capital, collaborate safely and build long-term competitive advantage.

Supporting Nottingham Pride through pro bono trade mark expertise

Jordan Mitchell is a trainee trade mark attorney in Potter Clarkson's Nottingham office. Drawing on nearly a decade of experience across trade marks and patents, he helps clients protect their brands and navigate intellectual property challenges.

Jordan Mitchell shares how he helped Nottingham Pride secure trade mark protection through pro bono legal support, helping safeguard the charity's identity and brand. The article explores why trade marks matter for charities, the application process, and the positive impact of pro bono IP expertise on local communities.

Winning at the EPO: Proven specialists in EPO oppositions

A successful outcome in an EPO opposition is about much more than technical arguments. It requires careful preparation, a clear commercial strategy and experienced advocacy. Whether you're defending your own European patent or challenging a competitor's, the decisions you make before, during and after opposition proceedings can have a significant impact on your business.

Success in EPO oppositions depends on more than technical expertise. This brochure explores the strategies, advocacy and commercial thinking needed to successfully defend or challenge European patents, while navigating the evolving patent landscape. Download the brochure to discover how our experienced team helps clients achieve successful outcomes in complex EPO opposition proceedings.

Protecting antibody innovations beyond composition claims

Antibody therapeutics remain one of the most commercially significant classes of biologic drugs. In 2025, the FDA approved 12 biologics, including nine monoclonal antibodies and two antibody-drug conjugates. With billions in revenue at stake and biosimilar competition intensifying, a robust IP strategy for antibody products has never been more important.

Antibody therapeutics remain one of the most commercially significant classes of biologic drugs. In 2025, the FDA approved 12 biologics, including nine monoclonal antibodies and two antibody-drug conjugates. With billions in revenue at stake and biosimilar competition intensifying, a robust IP strategy for antibody products has never been more important.

HPV vaccine success and the IP opportunities ahead

How HPV vaccine success is reshaping cervical cancer treatment, and creating new patent opportunities in biomarkers, immunotherapy and mRNA platforms.

Fake weight-loss medications and new enforcement possibilities

Few topics have captured public attention recently quite like AI and weight-loss medications. One promises to make us more efficient; the other to make us healthier. Between them, they’ve dominated headlines, social media feeds, corporate budgets and even personal development plans.

Few topics have captured public attention recently quite like AI and weight-loss medications. One promises to make us more efficient; the other to make us healthier. Between them, they’ve dominated headlines, social media feeds, corporate budgets and even personal development plans.

CJEU rules on hosting defence for EU platforms

On 16 June 2026, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) handed down an important decision on intermediary liability and the scope of the “hosting defence” under EU law.

On 16 June 2026, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) handed down an important decision on intermediary liability and the scope of the “hosting defence” under EU law.

Potter Clarkson ranked in Managing IP's IP STARS 2026

Potter Clarkson has been proudly recognised in Managing IP’s IP STARS 2026 rankings.

Potter Clarkson has been proudly recognised in Managing IP’s IP STARS 2026 rankings.

Combination therapies: IP considerations for synergistic biologic products

The growing use of combination therapies, particularly those pairing small molecules with biologics, is reshaping drug development.

Combination therapies are playing an increasingly important role in areas such as oncology and immunology, offering the potential for improved outcomes through synergistic mechanisms of action.

Perfect storm - four drivers behind the mRNA litigation wave

Messenger RNA (“mRNA”) is a naturally occurring molecule that carries instructions from DNA, telling cells which proteins to make.

The success of mRNA vaccines has triggered a wave of patent disputes as companies seek to establish ownership of the technologies underpinning this rapidly growing field. The article explores the key drivers behind this litigation and its implications for innovation, licensing, and competition in the mRNA sector.

Patent landscape and freedom-to-operate analysis for RNA-based therapies: identifying IP risks early

RNA-based therapies have emerged as a critical area of biotech innovation in recent years.

With innovation in RNA-based therapies accelerating, early patent landscape and freedom-to-operate analyses are essential for identifying potential IP barriers and reducing development risk. These insights can help organisations make smarter R&D, licensing, and commercialisation decisions in an increasingly competitive market.

Kodak v FujiFilm: the Court of Appeal confirms UPC’s long-arm jurisdiction

In an eagerly awaited decision, the UPC Court of Appeal has provided detailed guidance on the UPC’s extra-territorial reach - 11 months after the Mannheim Local Division’s landmark decision granting an injunction covering the UK.

In an eagerly awaited decision, the UPC Court of Appeal has provided detailed guidance on the UPC’s extra-territorial reach - 11 months after the Mannheim Local Division’s landmark decision granting an injunction covering the UK.