Intellectual Property

Intellectual property is the lifeblood of the biotechnology industry. Strong patents, and an efficient, predictable, and objective patent system, are critical to ensuring a steady stream of capital to biotechnology companies developing innovative medicines, alternative energy sources, insect- and drought-resistant crops, and a wide range of other innovative biotechnologies that are helping to feed, fuel, and heal our planet. This quintessentially-American industry leads the world in innovation, providing the United States with a global competitive advantage and spurring economic growth and the creation of high-paying jobs here at home.

Intellectual Property and Trade

The value of patents to biotechnology innovation cannot be understated. They enable innovators time to recoup the massive development costs of a new biotech product. Strong intellectual property measures are necessary to advance biotechnology innovation, the creation of high-wage, high-value jobs, and the ability to bring life-saving treatments and cures to market.

IP Attaché Program

BIO works with the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s (USPTO) IP attaché program, which strives to improve Intellectual property (IP) systems internationally for the benefit of U.S. stakeholders. IP attachés are posted at U.S. missions around the world to address IP issues arising in their assigned regions.

Find an attaché in your region

Patent Reform

Biotechnology companies rely on their patents to support the massive investment needed to develop and bring to market the next generation of innovations in healthcare, agriculture and energy.

Insights

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Gavel sitting on top of a book that reads PATENT LAW

#TBT: Debunking Some Common Myths on Patent Protections

How Can We Control Drug Costs While Supporting Innovation?

Congressman Stiver Continues Call for Sensible Patent Reform

News

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New Online IP Marketplace Will Foster Collaboration in Race to Eradicate COVID-19

May 4, 2020

BIO's 2020 Special 301 Submission

February 6, 2020

America’s Bioeconomy Plays Critical Role in Feeding, Fueling, and Healing the World

October 22, 2019

Proposed CFIUS Regulations Threaten Investment in America’s Life Sciences

October 21, 2019

Amicus Briefs

BIO Files Amicus Brief in Support of Rehearing Case Addressing Patent-Eligibility of Diagnostic Technology (U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit)

April 22, 2019

BIO files amicus brief in support of a petition for rehearing related to patent-eligibility of diagnostic technology.

BIO Files Amicus Brief on Case Addressing the America Invents Act’s Joinder Provision

December 28, 2018

BIO files an Amicus Brief on rehearing by the Precedential Opinion Panel of the Patent Trial and Appeal Board.

BIO Files Amicus Brief on Case Addressing Unfairness or Imbalance in Post-Grant Proceedings at PTO (U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit)

April 9, 2018

BIO and PhRMA have submitted a brief in the U.S Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit on behalf of appellant in Virnetx Inc. v. The Mangrove Partners.

Letters, Comments & Testimony

BIO's 2020 Special 301 Submission

February 6, 2020

Section 182 of the Trade Act of 1974, known as the “Special 301” provisions, requires the United States Trade Representative to identify countries that deny adequate and effective intellectual property protections or fair and equitable market access to U.S. persons who rely on IP protection. As…

BIO's 2019 Special 301 Submission

March 27, 2019

Section 182 of the Trade Act of 1974, known as the “Special 301” provisions, requires the United States Trade Representative to identify countries that deny adequate and effective intellectual property protections or fair and equitable market access to U.S. persons who rely on IP protection. As…

BIO's Comment on Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Regarding Review of Controls for Certain Emerging Technologies

January 17, 2019

BIO urges the Administration to fully assess the potential impact of export controls on biotechnologies on “the impact on the economy of the United States” and on the sustainability of the U.S.’s global leadership in biotechnology, and pursue them “only to the extent necessary” to ensure national…

BIO IP Counsels Committee Conference

BIO's IP Counsels Committee Conference offers timely, relevant educational sessions on the latest issues in the biotech IP sector. Attend informal networking events designed to promote discussion and foster relationships among industry colleagues.

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