The Enlarged Board of Appeal of the EPO has issued its eagerly-awaited decisions on divisional applications. The decisions can be accessed by following these two links:

http://legal.european-patent-office.org/dg3/pdf/g000106.pdf

http://legal.european-patent-office.org/dg3/pdf/g000105.pdf

The Headnote reads as follows:

So far as Article 76(1) EPC is concerned, a divisional application which at its actual date of filing contains subject-matter extending beyond the content of the earlier application as filed can be amended later in order that its subject-matter no longer so extends, even at a time when the earlier application is no longer pending. Furthermore, the same limitations apply to these amendments as to amendments to any other (non-divisional) applications.

On 9th March 2007 Union held its second Roundtable event, this time in the Auslegehalle of the German Patent and Trademark Offfice in Munich. Over 60 participants heard and discussed presentations from industry, the IP profession and academia on the current status of harmonisation of enforcement measures throughout Europe, comparing and contrasting the implementation of the EU Enforcement Directive 2004/48/EC in the member states. A final session discussed the special problems of enforcement in the field of Bioinformatics. The meeting saw a lively discussion of practical problems and solutions in the area, and advice on how the legislative changes impact on day-to-day practice. The papers from that event can be seen by clicking here, followed soon by a full transcript of the proceedings.

Union's first Roundtable of the year, in Paris on 16th February, discussed Bioinformatics patenting in a general sense.

Union plans another Roundtable event in the autumn in the Netherlands. Details to follow.