EU seeks breakthrough in single patent quest

The article reports on the lack of a European ‘patent legislation’ that could help companies across the European Union to protect their products. A big push to find a solution is under way. On 10 March 2011, industry ministers from across the European Union were going to meet to try to break the political deadlock that has prevented the bloc from setting up a single patent regime.

As a result, Europe remains uncompetitive – compared with the US or Japan – for inventors or businesses seeking to protect their intellectual property. According to the European Commission, an EU patent validated in only 13 member states can cost up to €18,000 ($25,000), of which €10,000 relates to translation fees. That is 10 times as high as the cost of a patent for all of the US.

EurActiv, 11.3.11: 25 countries give green light to European patent http://www.euractiv.com/en/innovation/25-countries-give-green-light-european-patent-news-503000

Council of the European Union: Press Release, PRES/11/54: Council authorises enhanced cooperation on creation of unitary patent protection http://www.consilium.europa.eu//uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/en/intm/119732.pdf

ESO: Background information: Blow to push for single EU patent regime http://www.europeansources.info/record/blow-to-push-for-single-eu-patent-regime/

EurActiv, 9.3.11: EU court rejects cornerstone of EU patent plan http://www.euractiv.com/en/enterprise-jobs/eu-court-rejects-cornerstone-eu-patent-plan-news-502891

ESO: Background information: Patents http://www.europeansources.info/record/website-patents/

ESO: Background information: EU patent in the balance at summit http://www.europeansources.info/record/eu-patent-in-the-balance-at-summit/

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