Nucleic acids &

molecular biology

The promise of the human genome project is beginning to be fulfilled. Rapid whole-genome sequencing is now a reality. At the same time, ever more powerful techniques have been developed which have enabled tiny amounts of DNA to be detected from a sample; and we have editing techniques which allow us to precisely target and modify specific genes.

These exciting development are underpinned by core platform technologies. At Mewburn Ellis, we have considerable experience of providing IP protection for core platforms in molecular biology, as well as their innovative applications in research, agriculture and medicine. Many of our experienced patent attorneys have laboratory experience in this area and are supported by talented new recruits with up-to-date practical expertise.

Our work encompasses a wide range of genetic engineering, synthetic biology and analytic techniques. We have recently assisted the University of California, Berkley in the UK in obtaining European patents for CRISPR-Cas9 technology. We also have a long history of working with next-generation sequencing companies, including those developing approaches to single molecule and deep sequencing. 

Bioinformatics is becoming critically important in handling and interpreting the vast amount of data that can be generated from molecular biology. We offer a cross-disciplinary group with both IP and scientific expertise in this area. We also have a close working relationship with the specialist group of bioinformatics Examiners at the EPO. We can advise on how to write and prosecute patents with the best chances of success, taking into account the often complex requirements both in Europe and worldwide.

Read more on our Bioinformatics spotlight page.

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Bioinformatics & Digital Health

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Gene Editing

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Sequencing & Bioanalytics

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Synthetic Biology

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Patent_Landscape_in_Bioinformatics_and_Digital_Health_Special_Report_2021-2-Compressed

Special Report

Patent Landscape in Bioinformatics and Digital Health: a data-driven analysis

The words "digital health", "data driven" and "AI" have been on everyone's lips and in many headlines in the healthcare and life sciences sectors over the last couple of years. We set out to collect data on the patent landscape in the fields of bioinformatics and digital health, to see whether the growth we and our clients see in the field is reflected in the data and whether insights can be gained that will assist in designing better, more informed IP strategies.

Download the report

Read our Blogs

UPC Weekly - Damages and added matter at the UPC

UPC Weekly - Damages and added matter at the UPC

by Matthew Naylor

2025 Week 3 The UPC has most definitely kicked into gear. Each week there are increasing numbers of decisions, orders and news items to review. Over the end of year period, there have been many ...

The power of Bioprocess Engineering

The power of Bioprocess Engineering

by Anja Koller

Microorganisms wield the power to revolutionise industries and address global challenges. These "little factories" are central to the production of a diverse array of high-value products across ...

Quantum and the law - a new special report

Quantum and the law - a new special report

by Joanna Smith

We are delighted to release our latest report Quantum and the law. View the report here.

UPC Weekly - Alexion v Samsung & Amgen – Patentee’s attempted U-turn on claim interpretation foiled by UPC Court of Appeal

UPC Weekly - Alexion v Samsung & Amgen – Patentee’s attempted U-turn on claim interpretation foiled by UPC Court of Appeal

by Eliot Ward

2025 Week 2 Tailoring one’s claim interpretation for the jurisdiction at hand can be a canny way of maximizing your patent’s footprint. You can argue a narrow interpretation during grant and validity ...

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Forward Magazines Overlapping 8

Mewburn Ellis

FORWARD MAGAZINE

Mewburn Ellis Forward is a biannual publication that celebrates the best of innovation and exploration. Through its pages we hope to inform and entertain, but also to encourage discussion about the most compelling developments taking place in the scientific and entrepreneurial world. Along the way, we’ll engage with the IP challenges that international organisations face every day.