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

The draft of The Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Regulations 2025 reveals practical details on how to obtain a Precision Bred Organism status

In a recent blog post we discussed the Precision Breeding Regulatory Framework developed by the Food Standards Agency (FSA). Further details on the application process for Precision Bred Organism confirmation …

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Regulation of NGT plants in Europe- Polish Presidency proposes an alternative solution to the Patent ban

In the latest development on the new proposed legislation for the regulation of NGT (gene-edited) plants in the EU, the Polish Presidency have proposed an amendment which removes the proposed …

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Can the Chancellor’s so-called “Europe’s Silicon Valley” really replicate the innovative activity of its namesake?

The Chancellor of the UK, Rachel Reeves, recently unveiled plans to deliver an Oxford-Cambridge growth corridor that promises to boost the UK economy by up to £78 billion by 2035.  …

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UPC on Doctrine of Equivalents

Plant-e Knowledge BV & anor v Arkyne Technologies SL UPC_CFI_239/2023 (Brinkman, Granata, Walker & Koke) – 22 November 2024 The Hague Local Division has handed down the first substantive UPC …

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The EPO Board of Appeal comments on the scope of the morality exclusion from patentability

The recent decision, T1553/22 of the Board of Appeal required the Board to consider the scope of the exclusions from patentability under Article 53(a) EPC. The invention in this case …

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Update on the Precision Breeding Act 2023: details emerge of the new simplified regulatory pathway for gene edited plant and animal derived food and feed products

The Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act 2023 could come into force as early as spring 2025. It empowers the Food Standards Agency (FSA) to create a new simplified regulatory pathway …

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Agritech Thymes: Arusha Protocol Enters into Force

Since being introduced in July 2015, the Arusha protocol for the protection of novel plant varieties in Africa has finally entered into force on the 24th of November 2024, after …

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Agritech Thymes: The EPO Looks at the Morality and Patentability of Therapeutics Derived from Traditional Knowledge

This case (T2510/181) heard before the Technical Boards of Appeal at the EPO in May 2024 relates to the morality and novelty of substances of a natural origin. The invention …

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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.