Updates

Modernised Dutch Patents Act: From Rubber Stamp to Examination

A proposal for the modernisation of the Dutch Patent Act (Rijksoctrooiwet 1995) is currently under consideration by the Parliament. In this article, we briefly outline the most important implications for the Dutch life sciences sector and, in particular, for university spinouts.

Axon drafted a cooperation agreement between an agro crop improvement company and four other companies, being both shareholders and competitors at the same time.

We have advised several clients, including Dutch Growth Funds, on the structuring and application of government funding and related public-private partnership schemes aimed at stimulating innovation in the life sciences and health sector. Our advice covers the design and structuring of funding schemes, including the formulation of eligibility criteria and subsidy conditions, the establishment of governance frameworks for public-private consortia, and the administrative and legal requirements for the disbursement of government-funded research and development grants.

A Nordic company owns a proprietary technology for producing legume-based meat alternatives. Axon drafted technology licensing agreements and developed an IP strategy covering patents and trade secrets, with practical checklists for implementation.

Axon assisted a start-up developing a real-time diagnostic test to define pathogens food. We negotiated and drafted an agreement with a university to support the further development & validation of the technology.

Axon supports pharmaceutical companies in licensing their products across Europe and beyond. We draft and negotiate licence agreements tailored to each market, helping clients maximise the value of their intellectual property.

Axon assists medical technology companies in structuring their collaborations with hospitals and universities. We draft and negotiate cooperation agreements that protect our clients’ IP while fostering innovation.

We negotiate numerous commercial contracts for our clients, including sale, distribution and agency agreements, or support them in doing so with in-depth feedback and negotiation strategy.

We have advised a client on collaborations between pharmaceutical companies and healthcare providers and contract research organisations, including the negotiation of framework agreements for clinical research.

We have negotiated clinical trial agreements on behalf of several sponsors.