9.30 a.m – 11.00 a.m.

AI-Based Innovations in Life Sciences: Unleashing Potential and Exploring Frontiers

Prof. Burschka

Die Physik steht in enger Verbindung zu den Ingenieurwissenschaften und den übrigen Naturwissenschaften. Daher arbeiten die Patentanwälte dieses Kompetenzbereichs eng mit ihren Kollegen anderer Fachrichtungen zusammen. 

Neben allen patentanwaltlichen Kernleistungen begleitet unsere Kanzlei Neuentwicklungen in allen Stadien. Darüber hinaus evaluieren wir Entwicklungskonzepte hinsichtlich potenziell schutzfähiger Aspekte und bieten die Durchführung und Auswertung von Patentrecherchen an. 

Weitere Spezialkompetenzen unserer Kanzlei sind die Erstellung von Gutachten bei möglichen Patentverletzungen sowie zum Rechtsbestand von Schutzrechten, aber auch die Prozessvertretung bei entsprechenden Verfahren. Hierbei kommt unseren Anwälten zugute, dass sie im Detail mit der einschlägigen Rechtsprechung der Beschwerdekammern des EPA und des BGH vertraut sind und richtungsweisende Entscheidungen zum Teil selbst erstritten haben.

9.30 a.m – 11.00 a.m.

Patenting AI Innovations in Life Sciences: Opportunities, Challenges, and IP Considerations

Dr. Max Mustermann

The field of life sciences has witnessed a remarkable surge in AI-based inventions, as evidenced by compelling statistics that reveal a thriving trend. This remarkable growth is not only driven by a select group of key players, further fueling the rapid rise of AI patents in life sciences. Concurrently, this growth presents an inviting landscape for start-up companies to venture into the market with novel and potentially disruptive technologies. As an emerging technology, AI in life sciences offers unprecedented opportunities, and patenting smart databased innovations in this domain becomes increasingly vital. This lecture explores the unique aspects of patenting AI-based inventions, which are inherently computer-implemented, and the profound impact of specialized rules governing computer-implemented inventions.

While core AI inventions are generally patentable, the majority of AI-based innovations in life sciences revolve around the application of AI algorithms for data categorization, prediction, and the design of effective strategies for diagnosis, therapy, or computer-guided surgeries. Additionally, AI creates technical success from optimizing organisatory workflows and even holds the potential to safeguard valuable company-owned data used in training AI algorithms. However, the pursuit of AI patents entails inherent risks, especially when it comes to commercialization. Understanding the specificities of IP related to AI-based products or methods and obtaining freedom to operate are crucial prerequisites before entering the market.

This lecture delves into the intricacies of AI-based inventions in life sciences, offering insights into IP considerations, the potential for competitive battles, and the importance of proactive preparation in the face of opposition proceedings, nullity actions, or infringement lawsuits. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of the current landscape and the strategic measures required to harness the immense potential of AI in life sciences while ensuring effective protection and commercial success.

9.30 a.m – 11.00 a.m.

Navigating Patentability for AI-Based Innovations: Examples from Different Sectors in Life Science

Erika Mustermann

As companies increasingly harness the potential of AI-based innovations, a critical challenge emerges in identifying valid inventions by evaluating their patentability and strategically allocating IP budgets for effective protection. This challenge extends to AI-based mixed-type inventions, which are typical in life sciences, that are defined by both, technical and nontechnical features. Central to these mixed-type inventions is an implementation by softwarebased data processing, where understanding the criteria employed by the European Patent Office (EPO) and other jurisdictions becomes paramount for identifying patentable inventions.

In this lecture, we delve into the multifaceted world of AI patentability, with a particular focus on the life sciences field. By presenting illustrative examples from diverse areas like drug discovery, patient data processing in diagnosis, and personalized medicine, we explore the scope of AI-based inventions. Essential to establishing patentability under Art. 56 EPC, we unravel the requirement of an inventive step in providing a non-obvious technical solution to a technical problem. The EPO's COMVIK filter, which refines mixed-type inventions by considering only claim features contributing to the technical character, is analyzed in detail to grasp its application.

Moreover, we shed light on the nuances of protecting methods versus apparatuses in life science inventions, as legal provisions in this arena exhibit distinct characteristics. Attendees of this lecture will gain valuable insights into deciphering the patentability of AI-based innovations and devising optimal strategies for safeguarding intellectual property in life sciences.

9.30 a.m – 11.00 a.m.

Crafting Optimal Patent Protection for AI-Based Innovations in Life Sciences:
Key Considerations and Jurisdictional Variations

Dr. Max Mustermann

Achieving an optimal balance between cost and the likelihood of securing effective patent protection is a critical challenge for companies pursuing AI-based innovations in the field of life sciences. Tailoring patent protection, particularly through well-designed patent claims aligned with the company's business plan, while considering defendability and enforcibility, is essential. The complexity of this task necessitates collaboration between inventors and skilled patent attorneys, relying on their expertise and craftsmanship in drafting patent applications. In this lecture, we delve into fundamental aspects crucial for securing optimal patent protection for AI-based inventions in life sciences.

Key considerations explored include claim design, encompassing the right balance between disclosure to fulfill the enablement requirement under Art. 83 EPC, and keeping vital invention details confidential as trade secrets. Additionally, we emphasize the significance of focusing patent descriptions and claims on the technical features of mixed-type inventions to enhance their chances of patentability. Moreover, we address the substantial differences in patent law across various jurisdictions, including EP, DE, US, CN, among others, and how these differences influence patent protection strategies. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the strategic approaches required for navigating the complex landscape of patent protection for AI-based innovations in life sciences, enabling them to make informed decisions and maximize the value of their intellectual property.

9.30 a.m – 11.00 a.m.

“Patenting AI Inventions in Life Sciences: Exploring Chances, Trends, and Solutions - A Panel Discussion

Prof. Burschka

The panel discussion aims to ignite a thought-provoking conversation surrounding the chances, emerging trends, and tailored solutions for patenting AI inventions in the field of life sciences. The esteemed panel members comprise the distinguished lecturers from today's seminar, as well as our esteemed US colleague, Patent Attorney XYZ, from IP Consulting USA Inc. Together, they bring a wealth of expertise and diverse perspectives to the table.

The panel discussion will delve into the intricacies of patenting AI inventions, addressing the unique challenges and opportunities that arise from patenting in the life sciences sector. Participants can expect insights on key strategies, best practices, and innovative approaches for securing robust patent protection in this rapidly evolving landscape.

Furthermore, the panel is committed to fostering an interactive environment by encouraging active participation from the seminar attendees. Participants will have the opportunity to pose specific questions, enabling a deeper exploration of their concerns and offering practical solutions tailored to their needs.

Join us for this stimulating panel discussion, where we aim to share valuable insights, exchange experiences, and collaboratively address the complex nuances of patenting AI inventions in the exciting realm of life sciences.