An innovative engineering firm specializing in industrial equipment for the food manufacturing sector is set to expand its footprint across the UK and Europe after receiving full patent approval for its breakthrough emissions control product.
FEG Global, headquartered in Washington, UK, has developed the LGC Scrubber, a patented system designed to revolutionize odour and oil mist management in food production facilities. The technology is aimed at companies involved in high-temperature frying, cooking, coating, or seasoning—common in seafood, meat, poultry, ready meals, and snack food manufacturing.
The LGC Scrubber features a dual-function system that combines a particulate wet scrubber and a gas scrubber. This allows it to effectively capture and eliminate both oil mist and volatile odour compounds from industrial food processing operations. Its modular design makes it adaptable for integration into existing factory layouts, providing a practical and scalable solution for food manufacturers.
One of the standout benefits of the LGC Scrubber is its potential contribution to the circular economy. The system allows for the collection and possible repurposing of waste emissions—such as oil particles—as biofuel, opening up additional revenue streams for users.
Following the patent approval, FEG Global plans to ramp up sales and installations of the LGC Scrubber across European markets. The company already operates regional offices in the Midlands, Glasgow, and Belgium, positioning it strategically for cross-border growth.
Chris Williams, Managing Director of FEG Global, emphasized the broader impact of the innovation:
The LGC Scrubber is not just a technical achievement; it’s a practical, market-ready solution that addresses critical environmental and operational challenges for food manufacturers. As housing developments increasingly encroach on industrial zones, managing odours and emissions isn’t just good practice—it’s essential for regulatory compliance and community relations.”
The system has already been successfully implemented by Whitby Seafoods, one of the UK’s largest seafood processors known for its iconic Whitby Scampi. The company, which processes over 3,000 tonnes of scampi annually, required a reliable system to manage odours in its high-temperature production environment.
Chris Dickinson, Head of Engineering at Whitby Seafoods, praised the partnership:
“We needed a solution that met our environmental standards while integrating seamlessly into our operational setup. FEG Global delivered exactly that. The LGC Scrubber installation has allowed us to maintain high production volumes while ensuring we continue to meet our environmental responsibilities as a local employer and good neighbour.”
As regulatory pressures mount and community awareness grows around industrial emissions, FEG Global’s LGC Scrubber is poised to become a critical solution for food manufacturers seeking to future-proof their operations while maintaining environmental stewardship.
patent
“Judge Signals Sanctions Against Patent Attorney for Sharing Netflix’s Confidential Data with Litigation Funder”
A federal judge in Oakland has signaled his intent to impose sanctions on patent attorney Bill Ramey and his firm, Ramey LLP, for violating a protective order by sharing Netflix Inc.’s confidential information with a litigation funder. The case stems from a patent infringement lawsuit filed by Finnish inventor Lauri Valjakka against Netflix, in which Ramey represented Valjakka.
During a hearing the U.S. District Court indicated that attorneys’ fees would be an appropriate sanction, noting that they would likely be substantial. The dispute centers on Ramey’s disclosure of Netflix’s source code and financial information to AiPi LLC, a litigation funding company, without proper authorization. Netflix contends that these materials, described as the “crown jewels of its business,” were shared in violation of the court’s protective order, which restricts access to sensitive information to authorized individuals only.
At the hearing, Netflix’s attorney, Sarah Piepmeier of Perkins Coie, argued that AiPi had access to the confidential information before Netflix was aware of the funding arrangement. She expressed concern that AiPi’s possession of Netflix’s proprietary data could influence its decisions in future litigation or inspire new lawsuits. Ramey defended his actions, asserting that the protective order allowed him to share the information with “affiliates,” a category he believed included AiPi’s attorneys. He further claimed that no harm had occurred because AiPi’s lawyers assured him they hadn’t used the materials inappropriately.
Judge Tigar expressed skepticism about Ramey’s defense, stating that having individuals affiliated with a litigation funder review Netflix’s source code constituted a situation of harm. He also indicated that he would consider referring Ramey to the California State Bar or another disciplinary body for further review.
This development adds to a series of legal challenges faced by Ramey and his firm. Earlier this year, Judge Tigar denied Ramey’s application for pro hac vice admission in a separate case, CyboEnergy Inc. v. Netflix Inc., ruling that Ramey had been practicing law in California without a state bar license. Additionally, Ramey has faced scrutiny over his firm’s handling of multiple patent cases in California without proper licensure, leading to questions about his compliance with state ethical standards .
The case, Valjakka v. Netflix Inc., continues to unfold, with potential implications for the intersection of patent law, litigation funding, and the protection of confidential business information.
During a hearing the U.S. District Court indicated that attorneys’ fees would be an appropriate sanction, noting that they would likely be substantial. The dispute centers on Ramey’s disclosure of Netflix’s source code and financial information to AiPi LLC, a litigation funding company, without proper authorization. Netflix contends that these materials, described as the “crown jewels of its business,” were shared in violation of the court’s protective order, which restricts access to sensitive information to authorized individuals only.
At the hearing, Netflix’s attorney, Sarah Piepmeier of Perkins Coie, argued that AiPi had access to the confidential information before Netflix was aware of the funding arrangement. She expressed concern that AiPi’s possession of Netflix’s proprietary data could influence its decisions in future litigation or inspire new lawsuits. Ramey defended his actions, asserting that the protective order allowed him to share the information with “affiliates,” a category he believed included AiPi’s attorneys. He further claimed that no harm had occurred because AiPi’s lawyers assured him they hadn’t used the materials inappropriately.
Judge Tigar expressed skepticism about Ramey’s defense, stating that having individuals affiliated with a litigation funder review Netflix’s source code constituted a situation of harm. He also indicated that he would consider referring Ramey to the California State Bar or another disciplinary body for further review.
This development adds to a series of legal challenges faced by Ramey and his firm. Earlier this year, Judge Tigar denied Ramey’s application for pro hac vice admission in a separate case, CyboEnergy Inc. v. Netflix Inc., ruling that Ramey had been practicing law in California without a state bar license. Additionally, Ramey has faced scrutiny over his firm’s handling of multiple patent cases in California without proper licensure, leading to questions about his compliance with state ethical standards .
The case, Valjakka v. Netflix Inc., continues to unfold, with potential implications for the intersection of patent law, litigation funding, and the protection of confidential business information.
Apple Patent Hints at Future Mac Devices with Gesture Control and Interactive Projection Surfaces
Apple Inc. has been granted a new patent that reveals ambitious plans to revolutionize how users interact with its computing devices. The patent outlines technology that could transform future MacBooks, iMacs, Magic Mouse, and Magic Keyboards by embedding a range of advanced sensors and projection systems. These innovations aim to enable gesture-based control, enhanced spatial awareness, and interactive visual displays projected onto nearby surfaces.
A New Era of Gesture-Driven Input
At the core of the patent is the integration of gesture recognition capabilities that go beyond current trackpads and touch input. According to the document, the proposed system will utilize a combination of position sensors, light sources, and image sensors to determine the precise location and motion of a device such as a mouse or keyboard. These sensors would not only track device movement on a surface but also interpret hand and finger gestures made in the air near the device.
Apple envisions using technologies such as visible and infrared cameras, capacitive sensors, ultrasonic modules, and accelerometers to recognize and interpret three-dimensional gestures. This would allow users to perform tasks by simply moving their hands above or beside the device, offering a touchless control experience. Such an approach could be particularly useful for accessibility, creative applications, or sterile environments where physical contact should be minimized.
Turning Surfaces into Smart Interfaces
One of the most striking features detailed in the patent is the use of miniature projectors embedded within devices like the MacBook or Magic Mouse. These projectors would be capable of casting virtual elements—such as labeled keys, buttons, or other UI elements—onto nearby surfaces. The projected images could then be interacted with through gestures or taps, effectively expanding the device’s interface beyond its physical form.
This concept has the potential to transform an ordinary desk into an extended digital workspace. For instance, a user could have projected function keys beside their MacBook that respond to finger taps or swipes, creating a dynamic, context-sensitive input surface.
Intelligent Feedback and Enhanced Input Detection
Apple’s design also includes the use of haptic feedback components that respond to user gestures. When a user interacts with the projected interface or moves their fingers along sensor-equipped sidewalls, haptic actuators could provide tactile responses to simulate button presses or surface texture changes.
In addition, embedded accelerometers may detect subtle vibrations transmitted through surfaces when users tap or move their fingers. This data could further refine gesture recognition, enabling high-precision input even on non-traditional interaction planes.
Implications for Future Apple Devices
The patent suggests that this technology could be applied across various Apple products, with particular emphasis on peripherals like the Magic Mouse and Keyboard, as well as the MacBook and iMac lines. By transforming passive input devices into intelligent, gesture-aware, and surface-interactive tools, Apple is laying the groundwork for a new user experience paradigm.
While the company has not officially announced any product using this technology, the patent signals Apple’s continued exploration of spatial computing and immersive interfaces. If implemented, this system could mark a significant step toward seamless, intuitive control across both 2D and 3D input environments.
Looking Ahead
This patent complements Apple’s broader efforts in augmented reality, wearable tech, and spatial computing—an area gaining traction with devices like Vision Pro. As Apple moves to unify its ecosystem with richer, more natural user interactions, the concepts in this patent may soon move from paper to product.
Disclaimer: While patents offer a glimpse into future product directions, not all patented technologies make it into commercial products. However, Apple’s consistent investment in gesture-based and sensor-driven innovations makes this development one to watch.
Unilin Technologies Secures European Patent for Groundbreaking Osiris Wood Recycling Technology
Unilin Technologies, the intellectual property division of Unilin, has been awarded European patent EP 4114629 for its pioneering Osiris recycling technology. This patent marks a significant milestone in the company’s mission to foster circular practices in the wood industry and reflects Unilin’s ongoing investment in sustainable innovation.
The patented Osiris system represents the first industrial-scale technology capable of recycling fiberboards—a long-standing challenge in the wood-based panel industry. Historically, the composite structure of fiberboards, which combines wood fibers with adhesives and resins, made them difficult to disassemble and therefore unfit for effective recycling. As a result, these boards typically ended up in landfills or were incinerated, contributing to environmental degradation.
With Osiris, Unilin has developed a scalable and practical solution to this issue. The technology enables the efficient separation of wood fibers from waste fiberboards, which can then be reintegrated with virgin wood to manufacture new fiberboards. This process not only reduces waste but also conserves natural resources by decreasing reliance on fresh wood material.
The Osiris technology is exclusively offered for licensing by Unilin Technologies in partnership with Dieffenbacher, a leading provider of wood-based panel production systems.
“We are proud to receive this patent, which underscores the innovation behind Osiris and the impact it can have on the sustainability of the fiberboard industry,” said a spokesperson from Unilin Technologies. “Our goal is to create real-world solutions that allow manufacturers to reduce their environmental footprint while maintaining high production standards.”
The granting of this European patent further strengthens Unilin’s intellectual property portfolio and opens the door for wider adoption of circular technologies across the board manufacturing sector. With global attention increasingly focused on sustainable production methods, Osiris offers a viable path forward for companies seeking to align with environmental targets without compromising efficiency or quality.
The patented Osiris system represents the first industrial-scale technology capable of recycling fiberboards—a long-standing challenge in the wood-based panel industry. Historically, the composite structure of fiberboards, which combines wood fibers with adhesives and resins, made them difficult to disassemble and therefore unfit for effective recycling. As a result, these boards typically ended up in landfills or were incinerated, contributing to environmental degradation.
With Osiris, Unilin has developed a scalable and practical solution to this issue. The technology enables the efficient separation of wood fibers from waste fiberboards, which can then be reintegrated with virgin wood to manufacture new fiberboards. This process not only reduces waste but also conserves natural resources by decreasing reliance on fresh wood material.
The Osiris technology is exclusively offered for licensing by Unilin Technologies in partnership with Dieffenbacher, a leading provider of wood-based panel production systems.
“We are proud to receive this patent, which underscores the innovation behind Osiris and the impact it can have on the sustainability of the fiberboard industry,” said a spokesperson from Unilin Technologies. “Our goal is to create real-world solutions that allow manufacturers to reduce their environmental footprint while maintaining high production standards.”
The granting of this European patent further strengthens Unilin’s intellectual property portfolio and opens the door for wider adoption of circular technologies across the board manufacturing sector. With global attention increasingly focused on sustainable production methods, Osiris offers a viable path forward for companies seeking to align with environmental targets without compromising efficiency or quality.
Navigating the Genomics Revolution: The Evolving Role of Intellectual Property Protection
More than two decades after the landmark announcement of the Human Genome Project’s completion in 2003, the field of genomics is undergoing a profound transformation. What began as a focus on decoding linear DNA sequences has expanded into a multidisciplinary understanding of the genome’s structural and functional complexity. This includes insights into protein folding, post-translational modifications like glycosylation, and the critical functions of non-coding DNA segments once dismissed as “junk,” such as introns.
In healthcare, personalized medicine, pharmacogenomics, and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing are transitioning from research to real-world application. Genomic research is also driving the development of disease-resistant crops in agriculture and, in the biotech industry, is converging with artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate innovations like next-generation sequencing and data interpretation.
This rapid evolution brings renewed focus on how intellectual property (IP) laws can safeguard innovation while keeping pace with scientific complexity. A strategic approach to IP is essential to protect genomics-related breakthroughs across multiple domains.
Patents: The Traditional Tool — and Its Limitations
Utility patents remain a cornerstone of IP strategy in genomics. In the competitive life sciences market, such exclusivity can determine commercial viability. However, the scope of what is patentable, especially in the U.S., is becoming increasingly restrictive.
Key genomic discoveries — like isolated human genes — when naturally occurring, are not patentable under U.S. law. Similarly, diagnostic methods that link biomarkers with disease states often fall outside the scope of patent-eligible subject matter. AI-driven components, such as algorithms used to interpret genomic data, also face hurdles, as abstract ideas and software in isolation typically don’t qualify for patent protection.
Disclosure Challenges in Patent Law
Patents require inventors to fully disclose their invention. This becomes problematic when critical elements of an innovation — like proprietary algorithms or data models — aren’t patentable but are vital to the invention’s function. In such cases, companies may be reluctant to disclose sensitive information that could be exploited by competitors, forcing them to weigh the benefits of limited patent protection against the risk of exposing valuable trade secrets.
Trade Secrets: A Flexible but Fragile Option
When patenting isn’t viable or would reveal too much, trade secrets offer an alternative. This form of protection doesn’t require disclosure and isn’t limited by subject matter rules or duration, as long as the information remains confidential. Genomics-based innovations — such as algorithm development, data modeling, and experimental optimization — are well-suited to trade secret strategies.
However, trade secrets are vulnerable. A single leak — from an employee, partner, or regulatory disclosure — can irreversibly compromise protection. Therefore, robust internal controls, clear access policies, and legal safeguards are essential to maintain secrecy.
Copyright: Protecting the Expression of Genomic Insights
While traditionally associated with creative works, copyright law has found new relevance in the digital era. It now extends to software, source code, and potentially, some aspects of genomics-related data and algorithms. Unlike patents, copyright protects the expression of an idea, not the idea itself — which means competitors can replicate the core concept using different language or methods, provided they don’t copy the exact expression.
For genomics, copyright might apply to algorithmic code, databases, or visualization tools used in analyzing genetic data. However, it is a limited tool that works best in conjunction with other forms of IP protection.
Toward an Integrated IP Strategy for Genomics
As genomics continues to push scientific boundaries, no single form of IP protection is sufficient. A multi-layered approach is often required — combining patents for core inventions, trade secrets for proprietary methods or data, and copyright for software or data presentation.
Careful coordination is essential. Over-disclosure in a patent could undermine trade secret protection, while an overly secretive approach might prevent the grant of a meaningful patent. Developing a clear, strategic IP roadmap that aligns with scientific goals and commercial interests is critical for ensuring innovations are protected without sacrificing competitive advantage.
In healthcare, personalized medicine, pharmacogenomics, and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing are transitioning from research to real-world application. Genomic research is also driving the development of disease-resistant crops in agriculture and, in the biotech industry, is converging with artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate innovations like next-generation sequencing and data interpretation.
This rapid evolution brings renewed focus on how intellectual property (IP) laws can safeguard innovation while keeping pace with scientific complexity. A strategic approach to IP is essential to protect genomics-related breakthroughs across multiple domains.
Patents: The Traditional Tool — and Its Limitations
Utility patents remain a cornerstone of IP strategy in genomics. In the competitive life sciences market, such exclusivity can determine commercial viability. However, the scope of what is patentable, especially in the U.S., is becoming increasingly restrictive.
Key genomic discoveries — like isolated human genes — when naturally occurring, are not patentable under U.S. law. Similarly, diagnostic methods that link biomarkers with disease states often fall outside the scope of patent-eligible subject matter. AI-driven components, such as algorithms used to interpret genomic data, also face hurdles, as abstract ideas and software in isolation typically don’t qualify for patent protection.
Disclosure Challenges in Patent Law
Patents require inventors to fully disclose their invention. This becomes problematic when critical elements of an innovation — like proprietary algorithms or data models — aren’t patentable but are vital to the invention’s function. In such cases, companies may be reluctant to disclose sensitive information that could be exploited by competitors, forcing them to weigh the benefits of limited patent protection against the risk of exposing valuable trade secrets.
Trade Secrets: A Flexible but Fragile Option
When patenting isn’t viable or would reveal too much, trade secrets offer an alternative. This form of protection doesn’t require disclosure and isn’t limited by subject matter rules or duration, as long as the information remains confidential. Genomics-based innovations — such as algorithm development, data modeling, and experimental optimization — are well-suited to trade secret strategies.
However, trade secrets are vulnerable. A single leak — from an employee, partner, or regulatory disclosure — can irreversibly compromise protection. Therefore, robust internal controls, clear access policies, and legal safeguards are essential to maintain secrecy.
Copyright: Protecting the Expression of Genomic Insights
While traditionally associated with creative works, copyright law has found new relevance in the digital era. It now extends to software, source code, and potentially, some aspects of genomics-related data and algorithms. Unlike patents, copyright protects the expression of an idea, not the idea itself — which means competitors can replicate the core concept using different language or methods, provided they don’t copy the exact expression.
For genomics, copyright might apply to algorithmic code, databases, or visualization tools used in analyzing genetic data. However, it is a limited tool that works best in conjunction with other forms of IP protection.
Toward an Integrated IP Strategy for Genomics
As genomics continues to push scientific boundaries, no single form of IP protection is sufficient. A multi-layered approach is often required — combining patents for core inventions, trade secrets for proprietary methods or data, and copyright for software or data presentation.
Careful coordination is essential. Over-disclosure in a patent could undermine trade secret protection, while an overly secretive approach might prevent the grant of a meaningful patent. Developing a clear, strategic IP roadmap that aligns with scientific goals and commercial interests is critical for ensuring innovations are protected without sacrificing competitive advantage.
ABVC BioPharma Secures Japanese Patent for Botanical Depression Drug ABV-1504, Strengthens Global IP Portfolio
In a significant boost to its intellectual property portfolio, U.S.-based clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company ABVC BioPharma has received a key patent grant in Japan for its novel antidepressant candidate, ABV-1504. The newly issued patent secures exclusive rights in Japan for the innovative botanical-based treatment through 2040, reinforcing the company’s commitment to addressing global mental health challenges with plant-derived therapies.
ABV-1504, currently under clinical development for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), is formulated from PDC-1421, a proprietary compound extracted from the traditional medicinal herb Polygala tenuifolia. This active ingredient acts as a Norepinephrine Transporter (NET) inhibitor and has shown encouraging safety and efficacy in Phase II clinical trials, offering a potentially safer and non-addictive alternative to conventional treatments like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
The Japanese patent adds to ABVC’s existing IP protections in the United States, Australia, and Taiwan, ensuring broad international coverage for PDC-1421. With depression affecting more than 280 million people globally, and the antidepressant market projected to reach $20 billion by 2030, ABV-1504 positions itself as a differentiated and promising therapy in a growing global landscape.
“Securing patent protection in Japan is a critical achievement for ABV-1504 and reflects our broader strategy to provide innovative, plant-based solutions for central nervous system disorders,” said a company representative. “Japan’s healthcare system, which has long embraced botanical therapies, represents an ideal market for introducing this novel treatment.”
Japan presents strong commercial potential for ABV-1504. With over 5 million people suffering from depression and the country’s antidepressant market expected to surpass $1.25 billion by 2025, ABVC sees the region as a vital part of its global expansion strategy. The integration of herbal medicine into Japan’s modern healthcare practices further enhances market readiness for scientifically validated botanical alternatives.
To accelerate market access and local engagement, ABVC established BioLite Japan K.K., a joint venture led by a former Pfizer executive with deep experience in the Asia-Pacific pharmaceutical industry. Through this entity, ABVC is actively collaborating with regulatory bodies, academic institutions, and local industry leaders to prepare for future clinical and commercial developments in the region.
In a parallel development, ABVC signed a global licensing deal in November 2023 with AiBtl BioPharma Inc., valued at $667 million. The agreement includes milestone payments and royalties based on future commercialization success, underscoring investor confidence in the compound’s potential.
The issuance of the Japanese patent represents a major milestone for ABVC BioPharma as it continues its mission to redefine the treatment landscape for mental health disorders. By advancing a botanical-based solution with proven clinical promise, ABVC aims to offer patients a new path toward safer and more sustainable depression management.
Catheter Precision Secures First U.S. Patent for Surgical Closure Device, LockeT
Catheter Precision, Inc. (NYSE American: VTAK), a leading U.S.-based developer of advanced medical devices in the cardiac electrophysiology field, has received a significant boost to its intellectual property portfolio. The company announced today that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued a notice of allowance for its first U.S. patent for LockeT, a specialized surgical closure device designed for orthoscopic entry wounds. The patent application was originally filed in December 2022.
LockeT, a Class 1 device registered with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is a suture retention product aimed at facilitating wound closure following percutaneous venous procedures. This latest patent strengthens Catheter Precision’s competitive position in the U.S. market and builds upon its growing foundation of international intellectual property protections.
“This first U.S. patent for LockeT complements our portfolio of international patents already granted in China, Europe, and the United Kingdom,” said David Jenkins, Chief Executive Officer of Catheter Precision. “Securing IP protection in the U.S. is particularly meaningful as we continue discussions for product distribution in key global markets, including China and Europe.”
The company is also anticipating regulatory clearance in the form of a CE mark within the current quarter, which would authorize LockeT’s commercial use across European markets. According to Jenkins, this approval is expected to open new revenue opportunities and accelerate market entry efforts abroad.
“We’re encouraged by the reception LockeT has received since its limited rollout in the U.S. late last year,” Jenkins added. “Healthcare systems globally are increasingly looking for devices that can improve clinical outcomes while also reducing overall procedural costs. LockeT is well-positioned to meet these dual objectives.”
LockeT represents a key addition to the company’s product lineup, especially as hospitals and surgical centers seek more effective wound management solutions that minimize complications and enhance recovery.
About Catheter Precision
Based in the United States, Catheter Precision, Inc. is a medical technology company dedicated to improving the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. The company collaborates closely with clinicians to design and deliver innovative electrophysiology devices that raise the standard of care in cardiac procedures.
Forward-Looking Information
This news article contains statements that may be considered forward-looking under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties, including those related to product approvals, market adoption, and commercial success. Actual results may differ materially due to various factors, including those detailed in the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Conduit Pharmaceuticals Receives Additional Patent Approval for Lead Autoimmune Disease Asset
Conduit Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: CDT), a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing treatments for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, announced today that it has received further patent approval for its lead therapeutic asset targeting autoimmune conditions. The newly granted patent strengthens the company’s intellectual property portfolio and provides added protection for its innovative approach to treating autoimmune diseases such as sarcoidosis and lupus.
The patent, issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), covers key methods of use and compositions relating to Conduit’s investigational drug, which is designed to modulate the immune response in patients with chronic autoimmune disorders. According to company officials, the approval not only broadens the existing patent family but also enhances the commercial potential of the lead compound as it advances through clinical development.
“This new patent grant is a major milestone for Conduit Pharmaceuticals, as it secures crucial proprietary rights over our lead autoimmune asset,” said Dr. David Tapolczay, Chief Executive Officer of Conduit Pharmaceuticals. “Our mission is to bring safe and effective treatments to patients suffering from complex autoimmune conditions, and this patent approval is a significant step forward in protecting the innovation that underpins our approach.”
The company’s lead asset, originally acquired from a major pharmaceutical partner, has demonstrated promising results in preclinical and early clinical studies. The drug works by selectively targeting pathways involved in the overactive immune response characteristic of autoimmune diseases, while minimizing systemic immunosuppression.
Conduit Pharmaceuticals has emphasized its strategy of revitalizing underutilized assets from larger pharmaceutical companies and accelerating them through late-stage development. The expanded patent protection ensures a longer runway for exclusivity, which could facilitate future licensing agreements or commercial partnerships.
Industry analysts view the patent approval as a positive development that enhances Conduit’s valuation and strengthens its position in the competitive autoimmune drug market, projected to surpass $150 billion globally by 2030.
The company plans to continue progressing its lead candidate through clinical trials, with additional updates expected later this year regarding regulatory filings and potential Phase 2 study initiations.
For more information, visit www.conduitpharma.com.
WHO and Medicines Patent Pool Support Nigerian Innovation in Health Diagnostic
In a landmark step towards strengthening healthcare innovation in Africa, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) have announced strategic support for Nigerian-led advancements in health diagnostics. This collaboration is aimed at fostering local innovation, improving access to affordable diagnostic tools, and enhancing the country’s capacity to respond to pressing public health challenges.
The initiative comes under WHO’s Global Initiative on Digital Health and the MPP’s commitment to equitable access to medical innovations. Nigeria has been identified as a critical partner due to its growing innovation ecosystem and urgent need for scalable, cost-effective diagnostic solutions for diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, hepatitis, and HIV/AIDS.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, WHO Nigeria Country Representative, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, emphasized the importance of locally developed technologies in transforming health outcomes. “Nigeria has demonstrated significant potential in biomedical innovation,” he stated. “By supporting homegrown diagnostic solutions, we aim to empower Nigerian researchers and entrepreneurs to develop tools that are not only technologically sound but also contextually appropriate for local health challenges.”
The partnership will provide technical assistance, funding opportunities, and pathways to intellectual property management through the MPP. Nigerian innovators will gain access to international patent licensing frameworks, regulatory support, and opportunities for technology transfer. This is expected to facilitate the development, manufacturing, and distribution of diagnostics that meet global standards while remaining affordable for local healthcare systems.
“Affordable diagnostics are a cornerstone of universal health coverage,” he said. “Through this collaboration, we aim to bridge the gap between innovation and access, ensuring that promising technologies from Nigeria can benefit both the country and the wider global South.”
Among the early beneficiaries of the initiative is a Lagos-based biotech startup that has developed a rapid point-of-care diagnostic test for tuberculosis, which uses AI-powered image recognition. Another group from Ahmadu Bello University is working on a low-cost paper-based testing kit for hepatitis B and C, tailored for use in rural and underserved communities.
Health experts have welcomed the announcement, noting that empowering local solutions can reduce dependency on imported diagnostics and improve response times during outbreaks. Dr. Amina Balogun, a public health analyst, noted: “This kind of support is crucial for building a self-reliant health system. It’s not just about the tools, but about building confidence and capacity in our institutions and scientists.”
As part of the next phase, WHO and MPP plan to host a regional innovation forum in Nigeria later this year to showcase emerging diagnostic technologies and connect local developers with global health agencies and funders.
This partnership marks a significant step in aligning Nigeria’s innovation capacity with global health goals and demonstrates how strategic international collaboration can empower local solutions to meet both national and international health needs.
Agfa Loses Patent Dispute Against Gucci Over Leather Decoration Method
Printing technology company Agfa has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against luxury fashion house Gucci, alleging unauthorized use of its patented method for decorating natural leather. The legal battle centered on Agfa’s European patent EP 3 388 490, which covers a process for embellishing leather surfaces with decorative images—a technique the company considers vital to its future innovation strategy.
The dispute specifically involved Gucci’s Pikarar Collection, which Agfa claimed employed its patented method without authorization. However, the Local Division of the Unified Patent Court (UPC) in Hamburg dismissed both Agfa’s infringement claim and Gucci’s counterclaim for patent invalidation (Case ID: ACT_561734/2023).
Presiding Judge Sabine Klepsch and her panel deemed both the infringement action and the revocation counterclaim admissible, but ultimately ruled against both parties. The court’s decision was based on a detailed analysis of the patent language, drawing on precedent established in earlier UPC rulings, such as the NanoString vs. 10x Genomics case. The court concluded that the interpretation of certain terms in the patent should differ from their conventional meanings, resulting in a finding of no infringement on Gucci’s part.
This case marks the first time a luxury fashion brand has been involved in litigation before the newly established Unified Patent Court. The ruling offers some relief to the fashion industry, although Agfa still has the option to appeal.
Agfa was represented by a legal team jointly led by Daan de Lange of the Netherlands and Kai Rüting of Germany. The case also marked the first major matter handled by Vossius Brinkhof UPC Litigators, a new collaboration between Dutch and German law firms. Other members of the legal team included Stefan Fickert, Ananda Landwehr, Leonie Dissmann-Fuchs, Elard Schenck zu Schweinsberg, Isabelle Kleinveld, and Alexander de Leeuw. Hans Louis Strijckers managed the case internally for Agfa.
Although the decision did not go in Agfa’s favor, the company’s aggressive defense of its patent portfolio signals its strategic focus on emerging technologies in leather decoration.
The dispute specifically involved Gucci’s Pikarar Collection, which Agfa claimed employed its patented method without authorization. However, the Local Division of the Unified Patent Court (UPC) in Hamburg dismissed both Agfa’s infringement claim and Gucci’s counterclaim for patent invalidation (Case ID: ACT_561734/2023).
Presiding Judge Sabine Klepsch and her panel deemed both the infringement action and the revocation counterclaim admissible, but ultimately ruled against both parties. The court’s decision was based on a detailed analysis of the patent language, drawing on precedent established in earlier UPC rulings, such as the NanoString vs. 10x Genomics case. The court concluded that the interpretation of certain terms in the patent should differ from their conventional meanings, resulting in a finding of no infringement on Gucci’s part.
This case marks the first time a luxury fashion brand has been involved in litigation before the newly established Unified Patent Court. The ruling offers some relief to the fashion industry, although Agfa still has the option to appeal.
Agfa was represented by a legal team jointly led by Daan de Lange of the Netherlands and Kai Rüting of Germany. The case also marked the first major matter handled by Vossius Brinkhof UPC Litigators, a new collaboration between Dutch and German law firms. Other members of the legal team included Stefan Fickert, Ananda Landwehr, Leonie Dissmann-Fuchs, Elard Schenck zu Schweinsberg, Isabelle Kleinveld, and Alexander de Leeuw. Hans Louis Strijckers managed the case internally for Agfa.
Although the decision did not go in Agfa’s favor, the company’s aggressive defense of its patent portfolio signals its strategic focus on emerging technologies in leather decoration.