In this issue of Patent Proze we aim to provide an introduction to the types of inventions which are patentable in New Zealand. We will highlight those areas of particular interest to chemists and biochemists, and also those matters for which patent protection is difficult. Subject to certain exceptions, most inventive ideas which result in some product of potential commercial significance, or a new method or process of testing applicable to the improvement or control of manufacture, may be the subject of a patent. For chemical and biochemical advances, this usually boils down to patent protection being available for compounds, compositions containing them, methods of using them and processes for their preparation.
Some areas however require specific comment.
Microorganisms and biological compounds including DNA fragments or sequences, which have been isolated, or cultured to a particular degree of purity, are patentable. However, they are not entitled to patent protection when simply found in their naturally occurring state or environment. The processes for isolating or purifying compounds or DNA sequences from their natural environments are also patentable. Metabolites from microorganisms, for example new antibiotics from previously unknown microorganisms, are patentable. Patents seeking protection for methods of treating humans are possible including methods of contraception, methods of diagnosis where there are no surgical steps involved in the invention, and cosmetic methods of treating humans.