IP and R&D

IP and R&D

The life sciences sector is made up of a broad set of industries, such as pharmaceuticals, medical technology (devices and diagnostics), biotechnology, plant protection and cosmetics. Within each of these industries are many sub-divisions or specialisms. For example, within pharmaceuticals there are chemical compounds, active pharmaceutical ingredients, or chemical entities (which are more commonly known as small molecules). There are also biologically derived products used in pharmaceuticals, such as monoclonal antibodies. In addition, there are products at the borderline of pharmaceuticals, eg foodstuffs, which may be processed to have particular designed health benefits.

Intellectual property (IP) law consists of four main IP rights: patents, trade marks, designs and copyright. For guidance to each of these in the EU, see:

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Patents (EU Law)—overview
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Trade marks (EU Law)—overview
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Designs (EU Law)—overview
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Copyright, databases & associated rights (EU Law)—overview

Patents

Patents, which grant the proprietor the right to exclude others from using the invention within a particular jurisdiction for a limited period of time, are a key part of life sciences industries, much more so than in some other types of industry.

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