2nd Edition of Cell & Gene Therapy World Conference 2026

Abstract

Scientific research in cell and gene therapies is rapidly evolving, leading to exciting therapeutics with the potential to address some of the world’s most significant and widespread diseases and disorders. Protecting the intellectual property of companies at the forefront of this evolution is paramount for successful commercialization of such therapies. Unfortunately, patent law and eligibility is not as dynamic and fast-moving as the development of cell and gene therapy therapeutics, leading to obstacles and uncertain pitfalls when filing for intellectual property protection. In this presentation, I will discuss the recent court decisions regarding patents protecting gene and cell therapies, as well as legal guidance and strategy when obtaining patent protection in front of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO). Specifically, courts and the PTO have been scrambling to assess patent eligibility of gene and cell therapy patents, and I will address how companies can design experimental workflows and strategically file patent applications that will overcome common obstacles under these eligibility statues to successfully protect their assets. I will also present my analysis of current trends case law regarding antibodies and eligibility statues, and use this analysis to anticipate future eligibility case law regarding gene and cell therapies. Finally, I will demonstrate how this anticipation of future case law should be used as a backbone for patents filed today to ensure valid protection of intellectual property.