Changes to European Patent Policy Forthcoming?
21 Sep 2006
During the second week of October, the European Parliament (EP) will vote over two resolutions which, if passed, would alter patent policy in the European Union.
Each resolution stands in relatively start contrast to the other. One--the European Patent Litigation Agreement (EPLA)--has been promoted widely by Charlie McCreevy, currently the Internal Market Commissioner. The other resolution has been sponsored by a coalition that is seeking "balance" between patent holders' preferences and the role of innovation in representing the public interest. Those who oppose EPLA argue that it will raise the cost of patent litigation, have a potentially adverse effect on smaller businesses, and clutter the intellectual property landscape in Europe by fostering an increase in the number of patents that might be granted on dubious grounds.
During the week of Monday, September 25, Commissioner McCreevy is scheduled to speak before the EP concerning his proposed changes to European Union patent policy.
Source: ag-IP-news. European patent controversy heating up again. September 21, 2006.
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