Gereviseerd EOV van kracht

The revised European Patent Convention (EPC) enters into force today, providing Europe with a new legal framework for patent protection.

"The new convention is a further milestone in international patent law in Europe", said Alison Brimelow, President of the EPO. "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 revised EPC strengthens applicants' rights: patent applications can be filed in any language. The new limitation procedure lets proprietors restrict the scope of their patents of their own accord, in central proceedings before the EPO and with effect for all the contracting states. All 32 current EPC contracting states have now acceded to the new convention, together with Norway and Croatia, which are due to join the European Patent Organisation on 1 January 2008.

Lees hier meer.