The Biotechnology Committee strives to be an active resource for biotechnology patent practitioners.  Topics of interest (controversial or otherwise) are covered in various forums such as the committee’s website and CLE programs at the stated meetings.  The committee also serves as a resource for AIPLA when positions relevant to biotechnology are taken.  Recent examples of such assistance include commenting on the USPTO’s proposed rule changes regarding Markush claim practice and biological deposits, and assisting in the creation of an AIPLA position regarding the Becerra bill, which sought to prohibit the patenting of genetic material. The members of the Biotechnology Committee also study and report on decisions and trends at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and at the federal courts that significantly impact biotechnology intellectual property law and practice. 

The leadership is currently reviewing and making some minor changes to the roles of existing subcommittees as well as adding some liaison positions.  We seek to improve communication and coordination between groups working on overlapping areas of concern.  We also plan to solicit input from the committee membership through a questionnaire to identify more effective ways to be of value to our membership. 

One goal for this year is to increase our use of available technology to increase communication and provide additional benefits to our membership.  As one example, plans are underway to establish a wiki, where members can both access and contribute to and evolving database of information about patentability and enforceability of various biotechnological subject matter in different jurisdictions around the globe (see the International Issues Subcommittee).