The European Parliament and Council recently approved legislation for a new EU-wide patent which is likely to significantly reduce the costs involved in protecting intellectual property throughout the EU.
A unitary registration scheme will operate in 25 of the 27 EU member states. The cost reductions will be achieved by the elimination of the need for separate applications in all member states.
The new systems in intended to take effect from 1 January 2014.
Contributed by Brian McElligott, John Magee.
