Developments in AI are leading to bioinformatics strengthening important advances in drug development and re-purposing. Although mathematical methods and computer programs, as such, are not patentable at the European Patent Office, the vast amount of genetic information which can now be gleaned by powerful nucleic acid sequencing techniques and developments in AI, means bioinformatics underpins many commercially important inventions for which protection can be obtained.  

These inventions span the fields of personalised medicine, non-invasive foetal testing, innovations made possible by the latest sequencing techniques for interrogation of the human genome, and developments arising from growing knowledge of the genetic diversity of microbes. 

HGF works with clients in fields ranging from major global corporations to start-up businesses, advising on, and patenting bioinformatics’ applications. The specialist attorneys keep pace with fast-moving developments in complex, multi-disciplinary fields, and expertly navigate and challenge patenting requirements as they impact on the areas of computer-implemented inventions and discoveries of the natural world.  

Our dedicated team of individuals, with experience of commercial application of bioinformatics across life sciences, pharmaceuticals and electronics teams, provide cross-disciplinary IP strategies. This multidisciplinary approach combines members of the specialist microbiome team, attorneys with deep experience in computer software inventions, and HGF’s legal specialists with expertise in database rights and data protection.