Europe

Patent Battle Erupts in Europe: ToolGen Sues Lonza Over CRISPR Technology Infringement Amidst Gene Therapy Breakthroughs

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SEOUL, South Korea — ToolGen, a prominent player in genome editing, has initiated legal proceedings against Dutch manufacturer Lonza Netherlands B.V. The lawsuit, filed in The Hague, alleges that Lonza infringes on ToolGen’s patent rights while producing CASGEVY, the first authorized CRISPR-based gene therapy for treating sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia. According to the claims, Lonza’s production processes at its Dutch facility violate ToolGen’s European patent (EP 4 357 457), which is centered on the CRISPR-Cas9 RNP technology. CASGEVY, developed collaboratively by Vertex Pharmaceuticals and CRISPR Therapeutics, has gained regulatory approval in multiple regions, including … Read more

Trailblazers in Truth: Council of Europe Honors Journalists Championing Roma and Traveller Stories

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Strasbourg, France – The Council of Europe has recognized outstanding journalism that highlights the lives and issues faced by Roma and Travellers. The organization has announced the recipients of its Journalism Excellence Award, which aims to promote better media coverage of these marginalized communities. This year’s awardees reflect a commitment to uncovering stories that illuminate the challenges faced by Roma and Travellers, often overlooked in mainstream media narratives. In a world increasingly driven by the urgency for diverse perspectives, their reporting serves as a vital tool in fostering understanding and empathy. The winners were chosen … Read more

Capital D Invests in AdTech Innovator Refinery89, Expanding Digital Publishing Support in Europe and LATAM

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London, United Kingdom – In a strategic move to expand its portfolio in the advertising technology (AdTech) sector, London-based private equity firm Capital D recently acquired a minority share in Refinery89, an innovative AdTech platform known for its support to digital publishers across Europe and Latin America. This investment marks a continuation of Capital D’s efforts to partner with disruptive, founder-led companies in the European mid-market space. Refinery89, which was established in 2018 in Amsterdam and is now headquartered in Madrid, specializes in maximizing advertising revenue for both web and in-app publishers. The company’s operational … Read more

Controversial Quran Burning Sparks Debate on Free Speech vs. Religious Sensitivity in Europe

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London, UK — Tensions have escalated following the arrest and charge of 50-year-old Hamit Coskun for burning a Quran outside the Turkish consulate in London. Coskun is accused of causing “harassment, alarm or distress” to the Islamic faith, igniting debates over freedom of expression and the limits thereof. Legal analysts argue that the charges against Coskun might be inherently flawed, and critics view this as a concealed effort to reintroduce blasphemy laws. Coskun defended his actions as a form of protest against Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, alleging that Turkey is evolving into a stronghold … Read more