Head of EIP Life holds workshop on devising effective SPC strategies

Andrew Sharples, the head of EIP Life, moderated a workshop on how pharma can gain effective patent lifecycle extensions through supplementary protection certificates (SPCs).

The pre-conference workshop at the 10th annual forum on Pharma Patent Lifecycles in London on 20 June explored the practical considerations for devising effective SPC strategies in light of recent regulatory and case law developments across the US and Europe. Andrew was joined by co-moderators Daniel Wise and Edward Oates from Carpmaels & Ransford.

The workshop addressed key issues including:

• Which patent should you choose?
• How should you define the product?
• Which marketing authorisation should you cite?
• When should you file?
• Other factors to consider
• Avoiding the pitfalls when seeking multiple and follow-on SPCs
• Assessing the extent of obtaining SPCs for medical devices
• How to strategically amend your patents to improve your SPC position
• Taking paediatric extensions into account

Andrew Sharples said: “With legal uncertainty over so many aspects of SPCs, it is important to take into account all the various factors affecting SPCs in devising a filing strategy which maximises valuable protection.”