24 Oct 2022
Genentech, Inc. v. Canada (Commissioner of Patents)
Genentech, Inc. (GNE) seeks to add Jamie Harue Hirata as an inventor to Canadian Patent No. 2,979,671. The Commissioner of Patents takes no position on the matter. Dr. Hirata, an employee of GNE, made significant contributions to the invention described in the patent. Evidence provided by GNE supports this claim. Dr. Hirata's addition as an inventor will not affect the ownership of the patent. The court has the power to alter inventors' names without individual affidavits. The court concludes that Dr. Hirata should be added as an inventor due to her contribution and the omission being a mistake. The application is granted, and Dr. Hirata is added as an inventor to the patent.