Patentability of natural products from Venomous Organisms: A guide for life science researchers

This report is built on insights gathered during the European Venom Network (EUVEN) workshop on the patentability of natural compounds, with a particular focus on venom-derived molecules, held online on June 10, 2022. The program explored key aspects of Intellectual Property (IP) rights relevant to the development of therapeutic agents derived from natural sources, including animal venoms and toxins. Topics included IP considerations in biotechnology, strategies for building and managing IP portfolios, and licensing pathways from academic research to industry. The review further discusses the specific challenges and opportunities in patenting venom-based compounds, and outlines recommended practices for IP sharing within collaborative research consortia such as EUVEN. Finally, it incorporates perspectives from industry on fostering academic partnerships to advance the translational potential of venom-derived therapeutics. This document aims to serve as a practical guide for researchers at all career stages working in life sciences, particularly those engaged in the discovery and development of natural product-based innovations.