[The IPKat] Reflections on LSPN Europe 2026
Claire Gregg
Reflections on LSPN Europe 2026
Dr Claire Gregg Monday, October 05, 2026 - #patents, biotech and pharmaceutical conference, Claire Gregg, LSPN, OzKat
Life Sciences Patent Network (LSPN) conferences are a favourite among pharmaceutical patent attorneys because they bring together in-house counsel and private practitioners to discuss key issues facing this niche practice area, and LSPN Europe 2026 was no exception.
This OzKat reflects on an informative and insightful conference held in Basel on 22–23 September, which included a densely packed program covering issues ranging from budget pressure, technology and fragmented R&D–IP workflows to EU pharmaceutical policy, SPCs, the doctrine of equivalents, portfolio and litigation strategy, antibody inventions and clinical-trial transparency.
Insights from in-house
As a testament to the undeniable infiltration of AI into IP, the opening session did not get past the first of three discussion points: technology-driven efficiency. This session explored how in-house counsel are leveraging AI to streamline IP processes, enhance decision-making and reduce operational burdens. Several other sessions also touched on AI and IP, including the role of AI in connecting R&D and IP, improving patent translations and integrating IP into the business (and vice versa). A key message was: We're moving from a world where we're expected to know the right answer to one where we're expected to know the right question.
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In addition to exploring the evolving role of IP in their businesses, in-house counsel from a variety of pharmaceutical companies shared insights into how they build their patent portfolios, prepare for litigation, engage with external counsel, and communicate IP risks to the business.
Practical tips from the courts
A candid judges' panel, including representatives from the Nordic-Baltic Regional Division of the UPC, the Court of Appeal of the UPC, and the Swiss Federal Patent Court highlighted that brevity is key. The panel emphasised that lengthy submissions can lose judges' attention and that expert evidence may not be decisive, underscoring the need for laser-like focus on the key issues in UPC proceedings – perhaps a lesson not just for European advocates.
A discussion among advocates of parallel EPO and UPC litigation also provided useful insights into coordinating proceedings before these forums, managing the risk of divergent outcomes and leveraging parallel proceedings to secure both offensive and defensive advantages for clients. Generic in-house counsel also offered perspectives on litigation strategies for biosimilars, including how to optimise the timing of litigation and market entry.
Keeping on top of the EU Pharma Package
A discussion of recent reforms under the EU Pharma Package, which includes the most comprehensive changes to pharmaceutical legislation in Europe in more than 20 years, highlighted the importance of staying on top of the legislation and remaining part of the conversation. Discussion of the Package, expected to come into effect in late 2028 or early 2029, unpacked how to earn the additional years of exclusivity it provides, with one panellist noting: Return on investment requires working together with IP, regulatory and market access functions to determine what's best for the particular asset – don't work in a silo!
Tackling key patent issues
Not surprisingly, several discussions centred on European patent issues but nonetheless provided useful insights for patent practitioners from other jurisdictions. Topics ranged from SPCs to the assessment of inventive step for antibody inventions to clinical-trial disclosures, with practical advice from in-house counsel, private practitioners and Patent Office representatives.
These European-focused topics were balanced by discussions of global issues, including how the UPC is shaping the law in other jurisdictions, such as the United States, and key considerations for cross-border litigation strategy. The round tables also examined a range of topics, with participants from different jurisdictions bringing global perspectives to the discussions.
Final thoughts
There is a reason LSPN has become one of the premier pharmaceutical IP conferences: it combines perspectives from in-house counsel and private practitioners, originators and generics, as well as judges and Patent Office representatives, on key issues for pharmaceutical patent attorneys. Stay tuned for a further report on LSPN Fall 2026, which will be held in San Francisco on 2–3 November.
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