By breaking ranks with the remaining four member states on creating a common patent, the larger group may ultimately force the holdouts to join them or be left behind.
A forceful number of countries – 23 members of the European Union – said they will work together to create a single patent system to protect the design of products sold across their borders.
After debating rules on a common patent for a decade, a majority of countries said on Friday (10 December) that there appeared to be no way to reach a unanimous vote on the issue of languages.
So they are moving forward under a rarely used provision of the Lisbon Treaty known as "enhanced cooperation".
To read the full, original article click on this link: 23 countries join forces on patents: Will some opt out? | EurActiv
