30 January 13:00-14:00

In many technical fields, patents play a key role in bringing academic results into commercial use. But how can you tell whether your research outputs are merely ideas, or if they meet the threshold of a patentable invention?

In this seminar, four patent attorneys from Potter Clarkson (each a specialist in a different technical field) will explain the distinction between an idea and a patentable invention from a legal perspective, and how to assess whether your research has the potential to be protected with a patent. 

Particular focus will be placed on what kind of data and how much evidence is required for a successful patent application requirements that vary significantly depending on the field of technology. Timely questions surrounding AI-generated data will form part of the discussion.

Using practical examples, the speakers will illustrate why a few drawings may be sufficient in some cases, while in others, even an entire thesis might fall short. The seminar will also cover what can safely be published once a patent application has been filed again, with real-world examples of both best practices and common pitfalls.

This session is aimed at researchers in all technical fields, especially those who may be dealing with potentially patentable results now or in the future.

Speakers

Louise Tottie

With deep expertise in chemistry and years of experience as a patent attorney, Louise supports clients across sectors including organic, medicinal and polymer chemistry, medtech, and advanced materials. Drawing on her background in research and development, she brings specialist knowledge of how to capture, protect and leverage innovation to drive commercial returns and build market advantage.

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Simon Curtis

Simon works with companies that use chemistry and related technologies to improve health, sustainability and quality of life. He helps these clients bring their innovations to market on the strongest commercial footing through robust patent filing strategies, targeted EPO opposition work and pragmatic advice on the competitor IP landscape.

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Fiona Hey

Fiona helps life sciences companies protect innovations across fields including oncology, immunotherapy, antibody technologies and biochemistry. With a strong background in academic research, she brings first-hand scientific insight to her patent work, from drafting and oppositions to managing international portfolios.

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Christopher Hartland

From medtech and cleantech to digital innovation, Christopher helps companies build commercially focused intellectual property (IP) strategies that support growth and attract investment. Recognised as a rising star in Sweden, his strength lies in understanding each client’s goals, technology and future plans before shaping an IP strategy that aligns with their commercial objectives.

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State aid 

Participation fee: This event is sponsored by Umeå Biotech Incubator (UBI) with support from the European Union. There is no actual fee for participating. For delegates from the industry, state-aid/de-minimis will be accounted for corresponding to 300 SEK per person.

State aid & de-minimis: Umeå Biotech Incubator is obliged to account for activities they arrange, and support they provide, directed to specific companies or a group of companies where the receiving companies do not pay market price for the participation. The value of this support is accounted for as state-aid. 

Small amounts of State aid (‘de minimis’ aid) are exempted from State aid control, as they are deemed to have no impact on competition and trade in the internal market of the European Union (EU). 

De minimis aid indeed refers to small amounts of State aid to undertakings (companies) that do not have to be notified to the European Commission by the EU Member States. The maximum amount is € 300,000 for each undertaking over 3 years.

De minimis can also be granted to large companies that are not entitled to larger sums of state-aid under Article 22. Read more on state-aid and de-minimis here:

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