Time for a comprehensive European Patent

6.03.31pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 6th Jul 2005

The European Parliament rejected the Council Common Position on Computer Implemented Inventions today by a massive majority of 648 to 14 with 18 abstentions. It is the first time a piece of draft legislation has been rejected by Parliament in second reading.

Graham Watson MEP (UK, Lib Dem), leader of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats (the largest of the groups which tabled an amendment to reject), called for the Commission to bring forward a proposal for a Single European Patent regime covering all sectors:

"The Commission's proposal was unclear, Council's Common Position remained ambiguous and Parliament was faced with a barrage of technical amendments pulling in all directions. The chances of achieving legal clarity and improving on the status quo were remote." Insisted Watson

"Rejection of legislation is never ideal but Parliament has shown that it has the ability to pull the plug on inadequate legislation."

"It is now time to put an end to the squabbling in Council as there is a pressing need for a Community patent regime that will bring the work of the European Patent Office under democratic scrutiny and reduce the costs and burdens on business in registering inventions."