FITUG e.V.
Förderverein Informationstechnik und Gesellschaft
FITUG e.V.Förderverein Informationstechnik und Gesellschaft |
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http://www.eu2001.se/eu2001/news/news_read.asp?iInformationID=12901
Single EU patent crucial to business competitiveness
Date: 13/03/2001 Policy area: Internal market, consumer affairs and tourism News item: Press release
“A single EU patent is vital to the modernisation of the European Union. It is essential in today’s knowledge-based society that the EU boost its competitiveness in the global arena,” said the Swedish Minister for Trade, Leif Pagrotsky, in a comment following last Monday’s meeting of the Council for the Single Market, Consumer Affairs and Tourism in Brussels.
“The introduction of a single patent would make patent registration in EU countries a great deal cheaper, simpler and quicker. This is essential if European companies and inventors are not to lag behind their international competitors.”
“It is therefore unfortunate that we were unable to reach agreement on the need to hasten the process towards a single patent. A decision would have meant that we are serious about making Europe the most dynamic and competitive region in the world.”
“However, I hope this setback will give us something to think about, and that it does not prevent us from introducing a single patent in conformity with the timetable agreed on earlier,” said Mr Pagrotsky.
Contact information: Elisabeth Wallton Press Secretary 08-405 55 60 0708-67 39 86