In This Webinar, You Will Learn:

  • Why IP is important in the development of antibody-based assets
  • Patent application process and requirements
  • How to strengthen patent applications
  • Applications of De Novo Protein Sequencing, SPR assays, and HDX-MS for antibody-related patent applications

Abstract

In the development of novel and innovative antibody-based assets, it is crucial to co-develop patent strategies to maintain intellectual property (IP) rights. As IP offices (ie. USPTO, EPO) place immense scrutiny on antibody-related patent applications during the prosecution process, preparation of all the requirements prior to patent filing is key to a successful application. Though the requirements may vary depending on the country or region where the patent application is filed, the general requirements include:

  1. Novelty – The antibody must be new and not previously disclosed or made available to the public prior to patent filing.
  2. Inventive step/Non-obviousness – The antibody must not be obvious to those skilled in the art and must have a technical effect.
  3. Sufficiency – The patent application must include a written description, which allows replication of the invention.

To satisfy the general requirements listed above, it is particularly helpful for antibody patent applications to include a description of the antibody’s biophysical properties, such as primary structure, as well as associated benefits that may include binding affinity, specificity, epitope targets, and production and purification information. In this regard, next generation protein sequencing (NGPS) and proteomics can provide valuable data to strengthen patent applications for antibody-based assets. De novo protein sequencing, surface plasmon resonance (SPR), and hydrogen-deuterium exchange-mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) are established methods for the characterization of the antibody’s primary structure, binding affinity/specificity, and antigenic epitopes, respectively.

Speaker Bios

Kirsty Dolphin, PhD, CPA, EPA

Venner Shipley

Partner, Patent Attorney

Kirsty is a UK and European Patent Attorney in the Venner Shipley Chemical and Life Sciences team. Kirsty has experience drafting patent applications and prosecuting them worldwide. She regularly handles Oppositions and Appeals before the European Patent Office. Kirsty’s practice covers inventions across a broad range of the biotechnology sector, such as gene therapy, vaccines, antibodies, recombinant DNA technology, immunology, siRNA, sequencing and screening methods and diagnostics. Prior, Kirsty worked in-house at Procter & Gamble, responsible for multiple areas of the fast-moving consumer goods market. She advises with a strong sense of commercial awareness leading to strong relations with clients locally and abroad.

Monique Seymour, MSc

Rapid Novor

Sr. Scientific Sales Executive

Monique Seymour graduated from the University of Glasgow with a Master’s in Biotechnology and Management. She has years of experience working in the proteomics industry, working with scientists in both Diagnostic and Therapeutic areas to mitigate risk and speed up discovery using next generation protein sequencing and other innovative technologies. Monique is passionate about furthering life sciences research to improve global patient health.