Patents: EUROCHAMBRES welcomes negotiation mandate for the European Commission

Today, the European Commission requested from the Council a negotiation mandate on the European and Community Patent Court.

EUROCHAMBRES warmly welcomes this move which will formalise and improve legal security over the negotiation process of this important dossier.

"This is a significant step forward in the never ending discussions on the modernisation of the European patent system.  It is also gives a positive signal from policy makers of the importance they attach to the facilitation of innovation, which is more critical than ever in times of economic crisis," said Arnaldo Abruzzini, Secretary General of EUROCHAMBRES.

In October 2008, 90% of the entrepreneurs gathered in Brussels for the European Parliament of Enterprises highlighted the negative impact of the absence of an efficient European patent system.

Currently, the cost of securing a European Patent in 6 EU countries is EUR 22,000.  If this patent is extended to the 27 Member States, the costs increase to approximately EUR 82,000.  In comparison, the same Community Patent would cost less than EUR 20,000 and would automatically be valid in the EU 27.

EUROCHAMBRES – The Association of European Chambers of Commerce and Industry represents over 19 million enterprises in Europe – 96% of which are SMEs – through members in 45 countries and a European network of 2000 regional and local Chambers.