Patents and Freedom to Operate for Chemists and Biologists

The course is intended for R&D chemists, biologists, project managers and bioprocessing engineers involved in applied research aimed at bringing new products or services to market. Conducting a ‘Freedom to Operate’ (FTO) analysis is a key step in product development in any industry, particularly in the Chem/Bio field where competitors strive to maintain exclusivity. Delegates will learn how to identify, assess and deal with ‘blocking patents’, mitigating the risk of being sued and avoiding costly litigation. 

The course will provide delegates with a detailed understanding and knowledge of what intellectual property rights are key to their R&D, technology and business.  It will also provide practical skills and tools to allow them to learn how to identify, assess and deal with ‘blocking patents’, mitigating the risk of being sued by third party patent owners. Delegates will learn how to conduct FTO searches, interpret patent claims, challenge patents and develop a FTO strategy. 

While the course is relevant to technologists working in Chemistry and Biology, it is particularly relevant to those in the Life Sciences, Pharma and the Biotech/Bioscience sectors where failure to conduct a thorough FTO analysis and develop a robust FTO strategy often leads to litigation.