IBC Legal will be holding its 20th annual Biotech & Pharmaceutical Patenting conference on February 21-22, 2012 in Munich, Germany.  Conference highlights include:

• Benefit from industry perspectives throughout the day with IBC faculty of experienced corporate counsel;
• Hear the tips and traps of current tactics for maximising patent life cycles and data exclusivity;
• Gain an excellent understanding of the latest SPC position including a consideration of the judgments of key decisions including Novartis v Actavis, Medeva and Georgetown University;
• Analyse the practical implications on everyday work of the recent developments and case law in Europe and the U.S. and the latest on the European Medicines Agency concept paper;
• Examine the EC Bolar implementation and discuss recent developments and trends in avoiding patent infringements in clinical trials;
• Review and discuss the advantages and pitfalls of HGS v Lilly — has it lowered the bar for industrial applicability?
• Obtain cutting-edge advice and insights on patent protection strategies and competitive patent filing, paediatrics and competition issues in patenting.

In particular, IBC Legal faculty will offer presentations on the following topics:

• A perspective from industry;
• Developments in European patent law in the last 12 months;
• Second medical use and dosing regimens claims in the UK and at the EPO;
• Functional claims — Ensuring they stand up to scrutiny;
• Patentability and enforcement of research tool patents;
• Patenting genes and theranostics;
• Stem cells: When are they patentable?
• Patent filing in Brazil — Maximising your chances of success;
• Patent filing — An industry perspective;
• Strategies for maximising patent life cycles — Exploring the application of SPCs to extend patent life;
• EPO update;
• Dealing with competition law issues in patenting;
• Avoiding patent infringements in clinical trials and the EC Bolar implementation;
• Comparison of EU biosimilars legislation and Hatch-Waxman act procedures in the U.S.;
• Patent strategies in biosimilars;
• What you need to know about data exclusivity;
• Paediatric extensions — Issues and challenges; and
• SPCs masterclass.

A complete brochure for this conference, including an agenda, detailed descriptions of conference sessions, list of speakers, and registration form can be obtained here.

The registration fee for the conference is £1,499.  Those registering by January 27, 2012 will receive a £100 discount.  Those interested in registering for the conference can do so here, by calling +44 (0)20 7017 5503, or by faxing a registration form to +44 (0)20 7017 4746.

Patent Docs is a media partner of the Biotech & Pharmaceutical Patenting conference.