Nanotechnology has the potential to be one of the defining technologies of the 21st century, with the scope to transform a wide range of sectors.
The European Patent Office defines nanotechnology as an entity with one or more components measuring less than 100 nanometres in at least one dimension and which is ‘susceptible of making physical, chemical or biological effects available which are intrinsic to that size’. The unusual electronic and physical properties of matter at these scales leaves a huge scope for innovation. Unsurprisingly, this has been reflected by steep increases in the number of patent filings.
We have worked with university spin-outs, large companies and government research institutes to protect innovations in this sector. In this fast-developing field, our insight into the approach of the courts and patent office opposition tribunals is invaluable in crafting robust protection.