EU Patent Convention Takes EffectEU Patent Convention Takes Effect
The agreement provides applicants with a simpler process, reduced costs, and more legal certainty.
The European Patent Office has announced that the revised European Patent Convention took effect this week.
The convention governs patent applications in 32 E.U. member states.
The original agreement was established in 1973 and the revised version reflects updates in law, while allowing for more revision through adoption by the European Patent Organization's Administrative Council. Previously, member states were required to hold full diplomatic conferences on such changes.
Patent applications can now be filed in any language, although English, French, or German translations will be required. Applicants can restrict the scope of their patents in central proceedings and those restrictions will hold for all member states.
"The new convention is a further milestone in international patent law in Europe," EPO president Alison Brimelow, said in a statement. "It simplifies access to Europe-wide patent protection and makes procedures before the EPO easier for applicants and patent proprietors, while maintaining the Office's reliable structures and high-quality standards."
The EPO said the new system would provide applicants with a simpler process, reduced costs, and more legal certainty. It also allows redress when examination deadlines are missed, while making sure the missed deadlines don't delay overall processing.
The E.U. states agreed in 1998 to overhaul the convention. In November 2000, they signed the EPC 2000 final act, and decided that the revised text would take effect two years after the 15th member state acceded. Greece became the 15th state exactly two years ago.
The EPC's 32 contracting states have acceded to the new convention. So have Norway and Croatia, which are due to join the EPO January 1, 2008.
About the Author
You May Also Like