Back in September 2009 I [Author] wrote a blog that stated the best way to get European SMEs to engage withthe patent system is to ensue there are more patent atorneys out there looking for their custom. It provoked quite a few responses. In the most recent issue of the CIPA Journal, published by the UK's Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys, I have written a longer opinion piece that expands on the points I made back in September. For those who do not get the Journal, here it is ...
There is no doubt that EU politicians were very pleased with themselves after voting to approve the principle of a unitary European patent system on 4th December in Brussels. "This business-friendly deal will make patenting and innovating easier and more affordable for British companies. In particular, innovative SMEs will have more flexibility when choosing how to patent across Europe," said the UK's IP minister David Lammy. "Establishing an EU patent and a single European Patent Court is the single most important measure for promoting innovation in Europe. In view of the major simplifications and cost savings, this is, of course, also particularly important for small and medium-sized enterprises," said Sweden's Minister for Justice Beatrice Ask.
Original Article (registration required): IAM Magazine - IAM Blog - A single patent can wait, Europe's priority should be more patent attorneys
