Life sciences innovation relies heavily on intellectual property (IP). Without IP, the life sciences industry would not be able to secure funding for product development. The strategy to protect and valorize knowledge is of great influence of its development and growth. On 22 September, HollandBIO’s Biotech Thursday zoomed in on IP strategies: global IP trends, IP portfolio management, as well as real-life experiences underlining the value of IP for biotech companies of any size. Three renowned speakers were given the floor to share their knowledge and hands-on experience.

Anselm Kamperman Sanders, professor Intellectual Property Law, Maastricht University set the stage. During his presentation, Anselm addressed the disruptive impact of technological developments, such as 3D-printing and the Internet of Things as well as the impact of recent political developments. Although the precise consequences of UK’s vote to leave the EU may not yet be clear, the influence of Brexit on the proposed Unitary Patent Court as well as many trade negotiations will be considerable. The ability of the IP framework to adjust to these developments, will be crucial to safeguard the EU’s innovative competitiveness.

Next up was Leon van den Broek, VP IP Research at Synthon Biopharmaceuticals. Synthon combines excellence in generic and innovative biopharmaceutical development. For both pillars, the company has a clear IP strategy in place: a clear overview of the different approaches, useful do’s and don’ts and best practices of one of the Netherlands’ most successful biopharmaceutical companies. Leon’s take home message: whether you are in the generic or in the innovative drug development business, IP is a precondition for success!

The story of our last speaker, Ellen Broug, Head IP at Merus, exceeded the high expectations. As if viewing a new episode of hit series Suits, the attendees listened breathlessly to Ellen’s coverage of Merus’s legal rollercoaster ride after being sued by Regeneron for alleged patent infringement. And even though Merus is clearly on the winning side, the US-based multinational does not give up easily. To be continued…

The presentations sparked the animated discussion over drinks, closing another successful edition of Biotech Thursday.

Don’t miss the next Biotech Thursday, November 3rd in Utrecht. More information will follow soon!

Would you like to be a part of the world’s largest medical trade fair?

Join the Holland Pavilion at MEDICA 2016, 14-17 November 2017 in Dusseldorf. The 372m² Holland Pavilion will showcase many facets of the Dutch LSH sector thanks to the large number of participating Dutch companies & organisations. Your company can also be a part of the Holland Pavilion!

For the sixth time the Task Force Health Care will be organising the Holland Pavilion at MEDICA in Dusseldorf. For the fourth time MEDICA has been designated by the Dutch Top Sector Life Sciences & Health as a strategically important trade fair for Dutch SMEs. Therefore the Holland Pavilion will be supported by the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs at the request of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency.

MEDICA | With more than 130,000 visitors and 4,900 exhibitors MEDICA 2016 is still the biggest and most important trade fair for the Healthcare and Medical Technology industry. The combination of the latest medical product presentations and numerous networking opportunities makes MEDICA the best meeting point for specialists, investors, agents, distributors and professionals from more than 120 countries.

For more information about MEDICA and registration for the Holland Pavilion visit the TFHC website, click here.