Press Release: Software patents. Commission launches consultations

The European Commission has launched consultations via the Internet on the patentability of computer-implemented inventions. The absence of EU-harmonised legislation may be a potential barrier to industrial growth, competitiveness and the development of the Internal Market. Comments from interested parties, the public at large and Member States have been invited until 15.12.2000 on the basis of a consultation paper prepared by the Commission's services. This paper has been made available on the Commission's Europa Website and will also be notified formally to Member States. Considerable debate has taken place in Europe recently about the patentability of computer software. Some consider that patents in this field tend to stimulate innovation in this sector by providing adequate protection of the substantial amounts of money and resources that can be required to develop sophisticated and specific software. Others believe that patents will on the contrary stifle fair competition and hinder innovation. The aim of the consultation is to help the Commission to identify the best approach to the issue so as to strike the right balance between promoting innovation and ensuring adequate competition in the market place.

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