mRNA Vaccines: a growing and complex IP landscape

Abstract

The success of mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 has fueled significant global interest in the development of mRNA vaccines against other infectious diseases and cancer. The COVID-19 pandemic has also highlighted the complex and fragmented nature of the intellectual property landscape relating to mRNA vaccines. 2022 has also seen the first significant patent infringement cases relating to mRNA vaccines. This article examines the types of patents that protect key aspects of mRNA vaccine technology and considers the impact of the existing IP landscape and recent patent litigation on future mRNA vaccine development.