Intellectual property

The life sciences sector

The life sciences sector is made up of a broad set of industries, such as pharmaceuticals, medical technology (devices and diagnostics), biotechnology, plant protection and cosmetics. Within each of these industries are many sub-divisions or specialisms. For example, within pharmaceuticals there are chemical compounds, active pharmaceutical ingredients, or chemical entities (which are more commonly known as small molecules). There are also biologically derived products used in pharmaceuticals, such as monoclonal antibodies. In addition, there are products at the borderline of pharmaceuticals, eg foodstuffs, which may be processed to have particular designed health benefits.

Intellectual property (IP) law consists of four main IP rights: patents, trade marks, designs and copyright. For introductory guidance to each of these, along with guidance on the law of passing off (which protects unregistered trade mark rights in the UK), see Practice Notes:

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Introduction to patents
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Introduction to trade marks
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Introduction to designs
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Introduction to copyright and associated rights
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Introduction to passing off

The World Intellectual Property Office defines IP as 'creations of the mind, such as inventions; literary

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