Protection of Biotechnological Matter under European and German Law: A Handbook for Applicants

This handbook provides applicants seeking protection for biotechnological matter with guidance, suggestions and solutions for their specific problems. for this purpose, the book is designed to assist the practitioner in the preparation of applications, especially in the drafting of the claims which are decisive for the scope of protection.

The main emphasis is on protection under the European and German patent law. Supplementary Protection Certificates, the German Utility Model Law, the Council Regulation on Community Plant Variety Rights an d the German Law on Plant Variety Rights are also discussed.

In the introductory part of the book legal provisions and general aspects of patentability of biotechnological matter are addressed. The main part of the book is concerned with important aspects of obtaining protection of low molecular substances, nucleic acids, proteins, microorganisms, plants, animals and the human body. The relevant case law of the Appeal Boards of the EPO, the German Federal Court of Justice and the German Federal Patent Court has been considered.

The authors of this handbook are partners in a Munich based law firm and have a technical background in Chemistry, Biology and Biochemistry including Molecular Biology, Virology and Immunology.

This title provides applicants who wish to obtain protection for biotechnological matter or processes under the European and German laws with guidance, suggestions and solutions for their specific problems. It assists the practitioner in the preparation of applications, especially in drafting of the claims which are decisive for the scope of protection.