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EP backs unitary European patent

Article date: 2011, February 15 - 8:31pm Last modified date: 2011, February 17 - 4:14pm
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On 15 February 2011, the European Parliament authorised 25 Member States to start enhanced cooperation for the creation of the Unitary European Patent System. The final decision is expected at the March 10 meeting of the Competitiveness Council.

At its plenary session on 15 February 2011, the European Parliament approved by 471 ayes, 160 nays and 42 abstentions theproposal to establish enhanced cooperation among 25 Member States for a unitary patent system for Europe.

The Hungarian Presidency presented its position at the plenary session of 14 February 2011. Hungarian Minister of State for EU Affairs Enikő Győri highlighted that community patent protection is crucial for the EU’s competitiveness. “Whatever their country, no company or person may miss the benefits of the future single patent”, she said.

The authorisation of Member States to start enhanced cooperation for EU patent protection still needs the Council’s approval, which is expected at the March 10 meeting of Competitiveness Ministers.

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