Moderator: Elisabeth Opie

October 28, 2022

Elisabeth Opie opened a boutique law firm focusing on international technology in Munich, Germany, in 2014. With over 20 years’ international experience in innovation ecosystems, she specialises in dealing with technology across various sectors. Practice areas cover international trade law, technology transfer and commercialisation (including structuring and negotiation strategies), competition law and dispute resolution. Standardised technology is a particular focus. Ms Opie is registered with the Rechtsanwaltskammer München and practises German, English and Australian law.

Andrei Iancu – Congressional Testimony: Hearing on the Patent Eligibility Restoration Act (PERA)

October 13, 2025

On October 8th, 2025, Andrei Iancu testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Subcommittee on Intellectual Property during the Hearing on the Patent Eligibility Restoration Act (PERA). Iancu, Partner at Sullivan & Cromwell, former Under Secretary of Commerce for IP and Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), and

How Europe Lost Global Biopharmaceutical R&D Leadership to the United States: Lessons for Today

September 9, 2025

By Anne Prichett Today, the United States leads the world in biopharmaceutical industry research and development (R&D), supporting nearly five million jobs and generating more than $1.65 trillion in economic output. This position of global leadership, however, is relatively recent. Until the late 1980s, Europe–particularly Germany, France,

If Private Sector R&D Is the Future, IP Policy Must Catch Up

September 8, 2025

By Chris Borges The President’s Budget Request for fiscal year 2026 (FY 2026) includes steep cuts to federal research and development (R&D) funding—a troubling signal for U.S. innovation and economic security. While congressional committees may push back on the most severe reductions, the signs are clear: Federal R&D funding is likely