The European Commission wants a single EU patent to cover all countries signed up to the European Patent Convention, to protect the inventions of innovative ICT companies and increase their earning potential. Currently, patents in Europe are restricted to those countries specified in the patent application but the Commission believes there is much more economic value from widening it to the entire EU. A single patent would avoid duplication, fragmentation, address common challenges and give a better return on investment. There is increased funding to be available over a 3 year period. This move by the Commission will be of interest to institutions that are already involved in areas of innovative use of ICT, especially if the UK Government follows in funding terms. The Commission's proposals can be read at: http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/tl/research/documents/ict-rdi-strategy.pdf and the full article can be accessed at: http://www.out-law.com/default.aspx?page=9878
(16/03/09)