A few words (3)

Charlie McCreevy, European Commissioner for Internal Market and Services, speaks to the European Parliament JURI Committee: (20 maart 2007)

"Does Europe have the best patent system in the world? I doubt it. The single market for patents is far from complete. Fragmentation has serious consequences for the competitiveness of Europe in relation to the challenges of the US, Japan and emerging economic powers such as China and India.

And there is more: a fragmented litigation system leads to a lack of certainty for users of the patent system. For one and the same invention, the tribunals of several Member States might come to different conclusions.

And yet, our patent policy has been held back by protracted debate and argument. We have failed to deliver the results that Europe's innovators and inventors need. They are left out in the cold. This cannot go on. We can not sustain such a competitive disadvantage.

We have to show that Europe is prepared to respond to the challenge of globalisation. If we want to be at the forefront of innovation, a sound patent strategy is indispensable. Concrete progress is needed.

This requires creativity. And it requires compromise. We need a realistic approach that takes the best elements from the different proposals that have been made. Without readiness of all parties to really try and resolve this issue in the interest of our companies and inventors, we simply will not make progress.

With my services, we have prepared a Patent Strategy that addresses the open issues on both to the Community Patent and the creation of a European patent Litigation System. It also sets out "flanking measures", such as support for SMEs, technology transfer, and enforcement issues including alternative dispute resolution, patent litigation insurance, and international aspects of enforcement. This is currently being discussed in the Commission.

But let us be clear about one thing: No progress will be made without a constructive attitude by all players. Agreement is not a foregone conclusion.  Yet patent policy alone cannot be enough.

Lees de volledige speech EU Commissaris Charlie McCreevy hier en eerder bericht  IEF 2969