EU hopeful of new patent system after decades trying

(BRUSSELS) - The European Union expects, after several decades of trying, approval next week for a single patent system which will be simpler, cheaper and more effective, the European Commission said Friday.

Member states are due to approve the plans on Monday and the European Parliament on Tuesday, clearing a key step to boost the competitiveness of the whole EU economy, said Stefaan De Rynck, spokesman for Internal Market Commissioner Michel Barnier.

De Rynck said EU companies submit some 60,000 patent applications a year -- well below the 172,000 posted by China in 2011 and the 224,000 in the United States.

The new system should be in place by 2014 when one patent is meant to cover all EU countries, with the cost falling progressively from some 30,000 euros to 5,000 euros, De Rynck said.

However, the proposals have so far gone through only on an "enhanced cooperation" basis, because Spain and Italy out of the 27 EU members objected to the provision that the new patents would be in three languages only -- English, French and German.

The two have challenged the plan in the European Court of Justice and on Tuesday its top official is due to give a legal opinion on their complaint.

De Rynck said he was confident the measures had a solid legal basis.

In November, Cyprus which currently holds the EU's six-month rotating presidency, suggested that patent applications could be submitted in any EU language and it is widely expected that this amendment may also be agreed next week.