The European Commission has formally presented its proposal to create a single European patent, invoking the Enhanced Cooperation mechanism, which allows it to go ahead despite failing to convince all Member States - and notably Italy and Spain - to support the creation of unitary patent protection across the EU.
This means any scheme that is introduced will only be valid in participating countries. “European inventors can afford no further delay,” said Michel Barnier, the European Commissioner for Internal Market and Services, announcing the proposal on Tuesday (14 December).
At present, he said, “Filing for patents in Europe is a costly and complicated affair, making it available only to those companies who have deep pockets: The unacceptable reality is that on average innovators validate and protect their patents in only five of the EU's 27 Member States because of the high costs. “
To read the full, original article click on this link: Science|Business Belgians fail to deliver on Single EU Patent as Italy and Spain stay out
Author: Anna Jenkinson
