Genetic sequencing technology has been revolutionised over the last two decades, firstly with the development of ‘next generation sequencing’ and then with third generation sequencing. The former recombines genomic fragments that are sequenced in parallel and the latter has allowed read-lengths to increase while reducing the size of the sequencing machines.
These technologies have made whole genome or exome sequencing fast and relatively inexpensive (currently in the order of $1000 for a whole human genome). This opens vast opportunities in the field of healthcare and beyond, making personalised medicine therapies possible.
Mewburn Ellis has supported the industry throughout each phase of its development. We have helped our clients to protect modified polymerases with improved accuracy and nanopore based single molecule sequencing methods, to name but two examples.
We also have considerable experience of providing IP protection for core platforms in other bioanalytic techniques, as well as their innovative applications in research, agriculture and medicine. This includes drafting, portfolio building and contentious work for the leading companies in the development of nucleic acid amplification, microarray technologies, and microfluidic "lab-on-a-chip" devices. 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.
