< Back to latest news & events

Event

Challenging granted patents: a comparison between Europe and the US

October 2021

Event date: 3rd November 2021

HGF and Knobbe Martens are holding a webinar on 3rd November.

Challenging granted patents: a comparison between Europe and the US

In this webinar we will compare and contrast mechanisms for challenging patents in both Europe and the US. In particular, we will focus on opposition proceedings before the European Patent Office (EPO) along with proceedings at the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) in the US. Comparisons will be made between each of the jurisdictions illustrated by case studies as examples. Additionally, the panel will provide practical tips on how to maximize the chance of success in each jurisdiction.

This webinar will cover:

  • An outline of the European opposition process and PTAB trials process in the US generally, including inter partes review (IPR) and post-grant review (PGR)
  • Tactical considerations and approach prior to filing an opposition in Europe or a petition for IPR/PGR in the US
  • Discussion of key differences between European and the US invalidity proceedings
  • Practice updates from Europe, including the use of videoconferencing for oral proceedings and changes to the Rules of Procedure at the Boards of Appeal
  • Practice updates from the US, including discretionary denials and the many challenges to the NHK-Fintiv rule, which may block IPRs when co-pending litigation exists
  • Strategy considerations in deciding whether to challenge a U.S. patent versus a European patent.
Speakers

Latest updates

The Antibody Series #4 | pH points in antibody claims: when “same pH ” becomes an addition of matter

The Boards of Appeal of the EPO (BoA) are the appeal body that reviews EPO decisions; in this case, they reviewed a revocation in opposition of a patent relating to …

Read article

The Antibody Series #3 | Antibody code names in claims: why “ACZ885” is not sufficient to define the antibody

The Boards of Appeal of the EPO (BoA) are the appeal body that reviews EPO decisions. In this case, they examined a claim that identified an antibody by an internal …

Read article

Agritech Thymes: Unlocking the Soil Microbiome: Driving Agritech Innovation in the UK

The UK offers an ideal platform for harnessing the untapped potential of soil and plant microorganisms. Although much of my professional experience has focused on the human microbiome, I have …

Read article

The Antibody Series #1 | Quality Characteristics (CQAs) in Antibody Claims: When the Test Method Can Remain Outside the Claim

Therapeutic antibodies are at the heart of innovations in biotechnology and healthcare. With increasing regulatory requirements and quality expectations, critical quality attributes (CQAs) are becoming essential in the drafting of …

Read article
Event - 3rd February 2026

HGF Brand & Design Conference 2026

Join us on 3rd February 2026 for HGF’s Brand & Design Conference, the must attend event for in-house legal teams, brand leaders, creatives, and innovators shaping the future of IP. …

Event details

EU Agrees on NGT Plant Regulation: What It Means for Patents and Licensing

The European Parliament and Council have reached a provisional agreement for plants developed using New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) – below we summarise the main points and set out the requirements …

Read article

When Retail Branding Meets Politics

(Inter IKEA Systems v Algemeen Vlaams Belang (Case C‑298/23) In November 2022, the Flemish political party Vlaams Belang presented its “IKEA-PLAN – Immigratie Kan Echt Anders” (“Immigration Really Can Be Different”). …

Read article

Office Closed Dates December 2025 / January 2026

HGF Office Closed Dates December 2025 / January 2026   UK Thursday 25 and Friday 26 December 2025 CLOSED Thursday 1 January 2026* CLOSED * Friday 2 January 2026 – …

Read article