IP and R&D Spark Newsletter

This month’s Legal Watch highlights the UPC’s evolving jurisdiction on post-national damages, as well as AstraZeneca’s legal move against generic drugmakers over cancer drug patent infringement. In a landmark decision, Japan’s IP Court ruled that AI cannot be listed as an inventor, reinforcing the boundaries of human inventorship. Also featured is the Open Invention Network’s milestone of reaching 4,000 members, signaling the growing strength of collaborative patent protection in open-source innovation. In Industry News, we explore how Europe’s cancer tech startups are falling behind as the U.S. and China dominate in patents. The USPTO’s Commissioner for Patents resigns, hinting at deeper changes in the federal IP workforce. Meanwhile, EPO and Nokia discuss AI’s growing influence on patent strategy, and Japan fortifies its academic IP regulations to promote innovation and enhance national security.

This month’s Techno Spotlight is packed with innovation—from a fire-free breakthrough in cement production to chemical safety concerns flagged in children’s bath products. We also feature a promising development for cardiogenic shock treatments, Zen Tech’s patent for an autonomous targeting system, and a bold headline: AI models successfully cloning themselves—breakthrough or red flag? Other highlights include J.M. Smucker’s $40 million brand divestment and the UK Court of Appeal siding with Lenovo in a landmark SEP case.

Stay tuned for more transformative insights across science, tech, and IP!