IP Courses Lecture Site

A breeder applies for a patent for a process for crossing two apple varieties in order to obtain sweeter fruit.

Question: Can a patent be granted for this, or does the application fall under an exclusion clause?

A researcher develops a new grape variety that is resistant to fungal attack, exclusively through classic crossing and selection.

Question: Can he claim patent protection for this or must he resort to plant variety protection?

A company applies for a patent for "a plant variety with a high vitamin C content."

Question: Is this claim eligible for protection, or does the exclusion for plant varieties apply?

A biotech company develops a transgenic potato with an introduced gene that produces pest resistance.

Question: Would a patent claim on these plants be patentable?

A researcher modifies the genetic material of mice so that they produce a specific human protein.

Question: Can he claim a patent on these animals, or is the claim inadmissible due to the exclusion for animal species?

A company registers a method for breeding grain based on crossing wheat varieties and subsequent selection.

Question: Can this method be patented or is it excluded?

A researcher inserts a specific DNA sequence into the genome of corn to increase yields.

Question: Is this an excluded biological breeding method?

A company wants to claim bean plants that have higher protein content as a result of repeated crossing and selection.

Question: Would such a claim on the bean plants themselves be patentable?