EP 3 389 691 B1 relates to cyclic NTCP targeting peptides which are preS-derived peptides of hepatitis B virus (HBV). It also relates to medical uses of said cyclic peptides and the pharmaceutical compositions, such as in the diagnosis, prevention and/or treatment of a liver disease or condition, and/or in the inhibition of HBV and/or HDV infection.
Updates on EPC, PCT, EPO case law and the e-EQE
T 25/24 – List of ranges and pointer – A succession of "and/or" does not help
by Daniel X. Thomas
EP 3 658 692 B1 relates to a steel strip, sheet or blank for producing a hot formed part; a hot formed part, and a method for producing a hot formed part.
Brief outline of the case
The patent was maintained according to AR2 and the opponent appealed.
The board held that claim 1 as maintained were infringing Art 123(2).
T 0298/22 – An application as filed is not a reservoir of features combinable at will
by Daniel X. Thomas
EP 2 880 468 B1 relates to a light grid unit, light grid securing unit and automatically driven gate provided therewith. When closing a (roller) door, a light barrier in both guide rails is used to monitor whether objects, people, vehicles or the like are in the centre plane of the door path.
T 0345/24 – Deletion of the relative term “good” infringed Art 123(2)
by Daniel X. Thomas
EP 3 711 729 B1 relates to absorbent hygiene products.
Claim 1 as granted lacked N over a Public Prior Use.
The patent was maintained according to AR1.
The proprietor and both opponents appealed.
The board held that claim 1 as granted infringed Art 123(2).
T 1185/22 – Even broad, a term translated in an official language does not extend over the application as filed
by Daniel X. Thomas
EP 3 268 667 B1 relates to a gas burner with at least two flame rings (not represented here).
Brief outline of the case
The patent claimed an Italian priority and was filed in Italian. In the translated description, the term “scodellino” (12+15) was translated as “dish”.
The OD considered that claims 1 and dependent claims 2-4 were infringing Art 123(2) and decided maintenance according AR1 as “dish” was broader than “scodellino“.