IP and R&D Spark Newsletter

This month’s Legal Watch explores the evolving intersection of AI and patentability, offering insight into how artificial intelligence is naturally reshaping the criteria for innovation. Key updates include the European Patent Office upholding the validity of CureVac’s mRNA patent, the resolution of an international patent dispute between Amazon and Nokia, and a U.S. jury ruling that Lululemon infringed on Nike’s shoe patent, marking a significant development in design protection. In Industry News, we cover major shifts at the USPTO, including a policy change that places discretionary denial authority directly under the Director, and the rollback of a key Biden-era IP strategy. While Germany maintains its lead, China continues its sharp rise in European patent filings, and the Unitary Patent system gains momentum, reinforcing Europe’s innovation ecosystem.

The Techno Spotlight is packed with fresh scientific and regulatory breakthroughs—from a new green chemistry method using coconut oil and soap to engineered microbiomes fighting C. difficile, and an updated LC-HR-MS/MS toxicology library from Wiley. We also feature concerns about harmful chemicals in eyeglasses, a dog-inspired robot that runs without motors, Tata Motors’ patent on the Avinya EV steering wheel, and Mondelēz’s sustainability setbacks in packaging. Plus, European lawmakers raise concerns over patent withdrawals, keeping regulatory affairs in sharp focus, and many others.

Stay tuned for more insightful updates across IP and R&D!