"Assessing whether an invention meets the non-obviousness requirement of most patent systems with objectivity is a challenge for patent offices and courts. Notwithstanding the general drive for harmonization of patent laws, the law on obviousness has developed in subtly different ways in different territories. Recently, significant cases on the topic have been decided in the United States, Australia and Europe and a case before the Supreme Court in Canada on selection patents threatens to impose even higher standards. An international panel of speakers from the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia and Japan will consider the impact of these changes."

Objective1:"Consider and advise on the extent to which the law on obviousness has diverged or converged in the different territories in the light of the new case law."

Objective2:Consider how this affects applicants for patents and their representatives in filing international patent applications where one specification must "fit all."

Objective3:Discuss the impact of current inventive step hurdles on the biotech and pharma industries.