Gene editing technologies

Gene-editing, and targeting capabilities of components of gene-editing systems, can be harnessed to provide wide-ranging, practical applications, yet freedom to operate issues often pose ongoing challenges for pioneers and start-ups in this fast-moving, powerful field.  

Whilst there is immense focus on CRISPR gene-editing, older techniques continue to have applications, with the early systems providing impetus for further developments in genetic modification in the CRISPR field and beyond.  

HGF has one of the most experienced, commercially- minded teams in Europe focussed on gene-editing, with significant experience of involvement in European oppositions affecting the foundational CRISPR IP,  as well as advising on and patenting earlier gene-editing systems, such as TALENs.  

The core team of specialists that make-up the HGF CRISPR team are backed by a larger group of over 75 patent attorneys and solicitors, with backgrounds in life sciences, pharmaceuticals, chemistry and plant sciences.  

Specialising in gene-editing in the context of new human and animal therapies, viral diagnostics, developments in animal farming and microbiome, as well as plant protection and breeding, the HGF CRISPR team includes specialists from the firm’s AgBio team. This enables HGF to develop multidisciplinary IP strategies across this important and complex field.  

HGF works with pioneers of CRISPR technology, as well as for clients advancing the field of gene modification and applications of CRISPR, to those that endeavour to resolve important problems, such as antibiotic resistance and infection diagnostics. This wealth of expertise sees HGF attorneys conducting talks at international events and providing articles on IP developments in the fast-evolving CRISPR field, along with the broader genetic engineering sector.

Latest updates

Agritech Thymes: Exploring the Agritech IP landscape – past trends and future insights

The agrifood patent landscape analysis recently reported by WIPO provides interesting insights into key areas of innovation and the IP strategies being adopted. The agrifood industry, encompassing both agritech and …

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Agritech Thymes: One of Europe’s oldest grape plant variety rights is invalidated

The Italian courts recently heard a case of infringement of a Plant Variety Right (PVR) held by Sun World International LLC protecting the Sugraone grape variety and of the corresponding …

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New Blog Series - Agritech Thymes: A brief look at public prior use of plants in the US

In the US, plants can be protected by utility patents, plant patents and/or plant variety rights. Both types of patent are subject to the same novelty rules of USC §102, …

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What's Next for CAR Cell Therapy?

The first generation CAR T cell was discovered in 1993 when the variable region of an antibody was fused to the constant regions of a T cell receptor.  Now, 20 …

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Event - 30th January 2024

CAR-TCR Summit, Europe 2024

HGF are proud Event Partners of CAR-TCR Europe, which is due to go ahead from 27th – 29th February at ExCeL, Royal Victoria Dock in London. This is the European hub …

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First CRISPR therapy approved for use in the UK

In an unprecedented move, the MHRA has approved a CRISPR gene editing therapy ‘Casgevy’  for the treatment of sickle cell disease and beta-thalassaemia in patients with recurrent vaso-occlusive crises. The Casgevy …

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Event - 23rd - 24th April 2024

Microbiome & Probiotic R&D & Business Collaboration Forum: Europe

The 12th Microbiome & Probiotics R&D and Business Forum will take place from the 23rd-24th April at the Postillion Convention Centre in the Hague, Netherlands. This world-renowned event will see …

Event details

IAM Patent 1000 2023

IAM Patent 1000 the world’s leading patent professionals 2023 guide has now been published and we are delighted to have 31 attorneys recognised as world-class individuals in the guide. The …

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Let's talk

If you would like to discuss how HGF could help you, contact one of our gene editing technologies specialists.