Eli Lilly v Human Genome Sciences - gene sequence patents get a dressing down

In Eli Lilly v Human Genome Sciences, the English Patents Court (EPC) sets out guidelines for the first time on the industrial application criteria for patentability (the EPC equivalent to the US "utility" requirement). This judgment is likely to be influential in the European Economic Area, including the UK, and before the European Patent Office. Given the commercial significance of biotech therapeutics, these guidelines are of key importance for patentees in this field.  

For more on this important development, read Wragge & Co's expert analysis.