Nucleic acids &

molecular biology

The promise of the human genome project is beginning to be fulfilled. Rapid whole-genome sequencing is now a reality. At the same time, ever more powerful techniques have been developed which have enabled tiny amounts of DNA to be detected from a sample; and we have editing techniques which allow us to precisely target and modify specific genes.

These exciting development are underpinned by core platform technologies. At Mewburn Ellis, we have considerable experience of providing IP protection for core platforms in molecular biology, as well as their innovative applications in research, agriculture and medicine. Many of our experienced patent attorneys have laboratory experience in this area and are supported by talented new recruits with up-to-date practical expertise.

Our work encompasses a wide range of genetic engineering, synthetic biology and analytic techniques. We have recently assisted the University of California, Berkley in the UK in obtaining European patents for CRISPR-Cas9 technology. We also have a long history of working with next-generation sequencing companies, including those developing approaches to single molecule and deep sequencing. 

Bioinformatics is becoming critically important in handling and interpreting the vast amount of data that can be generated from molecular biology. We offer a cross-disciplinary group with both IP and scientific expertise in this area. We also have a close working relationship with the specialist group of bioinformatics Examiners at the EPO. We can advise on how to write and prosecute patents with the best chances of success, taking into account the often complex requirements both in Europe and worldwide.

Read more on our Bioinformatics spotlight page.

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Bioinformatics & Digital Health

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Gene Editing

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Sequencing & Bioanalytics

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Synthetic Biology

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Patent_Landscape_in_Bioinformatics_and_Digital_Health_Special_Report_2021-2-Compressed

Special Report

Patent Landscape in Bioinformatics and Digital Health: a data-driven analysis

The words "digital health", "data driven" and "AI" have been on everyone's lips and in many headlines in the healthcare and life sciences sectors over the last couple of years. We set out to collect data on the patent landscape in the fields of bioinformatics and digital health, to see whether the growth we and our clients see in the field is reflected in the data and whether insights can be gained that will assist in designing better, more informed IP strategies.

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Read our Blogs

Gene Therapy and Longevity: Transforming the Future of Healthy Aging

Gene Therapy and Longevity: Transforming the Future of Healthy Aging

by Katherine Collins

Building on the success of gene therapies in treating rare diseases, the field is now rapidly evolving into a cornerstone of longevity science. By targeting the biological mechanisms of aging at the ...

5 reasons intellectual property is important for food-tech start-ups

5 reasons intellectual property is important for food-tech start-ups

by Nick Sutcliffe

Many food-tech start-ups we speak with say they're not too concerned about intellectual property. However, we always emphasize its importance. Here are five key reasons why we believe it deserves ...

A Boost for Sustainable Agriculture: The Promise of the US “Plant Biostimulant Act”

A Boost for Sustainable Agriculture: The Promise of the US “Plant Biostimulant Act”

by Ben Tolley

In a welcome development for sustainable agriculture, United States Representatives Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) and Jim Baird (IN-04) have introduced the Plant Biostimulant Act of 2025; a bipartisan ...

New treatments for women’s pain

New treatments for women’s pain

by Fay Allen

In a previous blog we discussed the gender pain gap and how attitudes and access to treatment of women’s pain is harming women. Unfortunately, even if women’s pain is believed by their healthcare ...

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We work at every stage of the IP lifecycle

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Forward Magazines Overlapping 8

Mewburn Ellis

FORWARD MAGAZINE

Mewburn Ellis Forward is a biannual publication that celebrates the best of innovation and exploration. Through its pages we hope to inform and entertain, but also to encourage discussion about the most compelling developments taking place in the scientific and entrepreneurial world. Along the way, we’ll engage with the IP challenges that international organisations face every day.