T
he number of European patent applications filed last year fell for the first time in 20 years, according to new figures released by the European Patent Office (EPO).
In 2009, 135,000 applications were received – 8% fewer than in 2008.
The drop in the number of filings from outside the 36 member states of the European Patent Office (EPO) was sharper (-11%) than for filings from European countries (-5%).
At 52,000, the number of patents
granted was also lower than in 2008, a fall of 13% compared to the
previous year.
The EPO says the fact that the fall in approvals is partly due to its
increased focus on quality over quantity. In an effort to chip away at
the backlog of applications, patent examiners carried out more
examinations but the grant rate was lower.
To read the full, original article click on this link: European patent applications fall | EurActiv
Author: EurActiv
