IP and R&D Spark Newsletter

This month’s Legal Watch examines major developments in patent litigation and legislative reform. Alpha Modus files suit against A2Z Cust2Mate over AI-powered retail technologies, while Masimo takes legal action against U.S. Customs over Apple Watch import approvals. The long-standing EpiPen patent expires, opening the market to innovation and competition. Meanwhile, the PREVAIL and PERA Acts propose significant updates to the U.S. patent framework, including changes to post-grant proceedings and examiner incentives.

In Industry News, the USPTO ends expedited design patent processing in response to fraud concerns, and tightens IPR petition rules effective September 1. Japan and ASEAN release a joint action plan to expand IP cooperation in Asia, and the USPTO reinforces §101 guidance to clarify software and AI-related patent eligibility.

This month’s Techno Spotlight highlights transformative advances across multiple sectors. In Chemicals & Materials, researchers introduce a non-stick material that could replace Teflon, discover a plant-inspired molecule for artificial photosynthesis, and develop a new gold compound by accident. Concrete innovation promises buildings that actively reduce carbon. In Life Sciences, breakthroughs include a global trial for a new blood pressure drug, a battery-free neurostimulator for sleep apnea, and a fast-acting bone healing compound. Portable diagnostic devices and novel FDA approvals round out a strong month of health-tech momentum. Hi-Tech stories feature a self-assembling EV battery electrolyte, energy-efficient wireless transmitters, quantum computing advances using acoustic signals, and AI-powered imaging at the edge of physical precision. In Consumer Goods, Pepsi launches a prebiotic cola, Nestlé improves sustainable chocolate production, and France’s Lactalis closes a $2.2B deal with Fonterra. On the Chemical Safety & Regulatory front, the FDA rolls out a new adverse event reporting tool, accelerates HER2 cancer treatment approvals, and greenlights the first immunotherapy for RRP. New guidelines on radiopharmaceuticals, E&L, and food chemical safety are also released. Mobility and mechanical innovation continues to surge, with Tesla’s latest patent revealing a suction-based acceleration system for the Roadster, Toyota partnering with Panasonic on battery tech, and Europe enforcing new autonomous vehicle testing regulations. Finally, the Standard Essential Patents landscape shifts as AT&T’s $23B spectrum deal redefines 5G IP strategy, while major players clash at the UPC in the ongoing HEVC and wireless charging battles.

Stay tuned for more innovation shaping the IP and R&D landscape!