2003

An affordable, high-quality Community Patent needed by European innovatorsThe President of the European Patent Office (EPO), Ingo Kober, has voiced a strong plea for an affordable, simple and reliable Community Patent in order to create a flourishing patent culture in Europe.

The Wheel of Invention – From ideas to patentsThe exhibition "The Wheel of Invention – From ideas to patents" offers an intriguing glimpse into the world of inventions. The purpose of the exhibition, aimed mainly at young people between 14 and 19, is to demonstrate the relevance to society of science and technology, and provide an insight into the work of the European Patent Office.

Insufficient use of innovation support mechanisms in EuropeEuropean companies still fall short in exploiting the potential of patent information databases, CDs and DVDs produced by the European Patent Office and the national patent authorities in Europe for their innovation and business strategies.

Election of the President of the European Patent OfficeAt its 94th meeting, held in Munich and chaired by Mr Mogens Kring (DK), the Administrative Council of the European Patent Organisation decided on 29 October 2003 to elect: Mr Alain Pompidou (FR) to serve as President of the European Patent Office for a three-year term beginning on 1 July 2004 Ms Alison Brimelow (GB) to serve as President of the European Patent Office for a term of three years following the expiry of Mr Pompidou's mandate, ie from 1 July 2007.

Stichwort: “Cupuaçu”-Patentanmeldung - Information für die PresseDie europäische Patentanmeldung EP 1 219 698 beruht auf einer internationalen Patentanmeldung der japanischen Firma Asahi Foods Co., Ltd., eingereicht am 10.10.2000 (WO 01/25377). Seit dem 8.4.2002 ist diese Anmeldung auch beim Europäischen Patentamt (EPA) anhängig.

Successful move for closer cooperation in the protection of intellectual property rightsThe European Union and China have significantly enhanced their cooperation in the field of protection of intellectual property rights (IPR) in the last five years. Under the umbrella of joint EU-China projects a comprehensive programme on IP rights aimed at promoting trade and investment flows between both regions.

THE EUROPEAN PATENT OFFICE OPENS A BUREAU IN BRUSSELSThe European Patent Office (EPO) today strengthened its presence in Brussels by opening a new office. The EPO marked the event by holding a reception in their new offices and releasing their new Annual Report.

Jahresbericht 2002 des Europäischen Patentamts - Das Wachstum der Patentanmeldungen hält an - Rekordzahl an PatenterteilungenDie starke Nachfrage nach europäischen Patenten hält weiter an: Das Europäische Patentamt registrierte 2002 mit 165 100 Patentanmeldungen einen neuen Höchststand. Mit 47 400 erteilten Patenten übertraf das Amt die Vorjahresmarke um 37 % und erreichte ebenfalls einen Höchstwert. Insgesamt führte das EPA mehr Recherche- und Sachprüfungsverfahren durch als 2001 und steigerte die Produktion in allen Bereichen gegenüber dem Vorjahr um 5,8 %.

President Kober's mandate extended at the EPOThe Administrative Council of the European Patent Organisation, gathering in Munich for its 93rd meeting, unanimously decided to extend the term of office of Ingo Kober, President of the European Patent Office, to 30 June 2004, and expressed its thanks to him.

"Soya" patent limited after hearing in opposition proceedings before the European Patent OfficeThe so-called "soya" patent owned by Monsanto (EP 301 749 B1) is to be limited. The Opposition Division of the European Patent Office (EPO) came to this decision today after a public hearing in opposition proceedings. In March 1994, the EPO granted Agracetus, subsequently taken over by Monsanto, a patent for twelve of the current 27 member states of the European Patent Organisation. In its original form, the patent describes a process for genetically engineering plants, in particular soybean plants.

Anhörung im Einspruchsverfahren gegen ein Patent zur gentechnischen Veränderung von Sojapflanzen im Europäischen PatentamtAm 6. Mai beginnt im Europäischen Patentamt (EPA) die mündliche Verhandlung im Einspruchsverfahren zu einem Patent der Firma Monsanto, in dem es um ein Verfahren zur gentechnischen Veränderung von Sojapflanzen geht. Dabei gilt es zu entscheiden, ob das Patent aufrechterhalten, geändert oder widerrufen wird. Die Einsprechenden sind die Unternehmen Syngenta Participations und Pioneer Hi-Bred, eine kanadische Umweltschutzorganisation sowie eine Einzelperson

Revocation of “umbilical cord blood” patent upheldA technical board of appeal of the European Patent Office (EPO) has upheld the revocation of the US firm Biocyte’s European patent describing inter alia the use of umbilical cord blood.

"Öl-Mais"-Patent nach Anhörung im Einspruchsverfahren vor dem Europäischen Patentamt widerrufen / Ergebnis der mündlichen Verhandlung zu einem Patent der Firma DuPontDas sogenannte "Öl-Mais"-Patent der Firma DuPont (EP 0744888 B1) wird widerrufen. Dies hat die zuständige Einspruchsabteilung des Europäischen Patentamts (EPA) nach einer eintägigen öffentlichen Anhörung im Einspruchsverfahren entschieden. Im August 2000 hatte das EPA der amerikanischen Firma ein europäisches Patent für Italien, Frankreich und Spanien erteilt.

Oral proceedings at the European Patent Office in opposition proceedings relating to a patent for corn plants with improved oil compositionWednesday, 12 February sees the start of oral proceedings at the European Patent Office (EPO) in the opposition proceedings against a patent for corn grains with improved oil composition owned by DuPont. The oral proceedings will decide whether the patent should be maintained, amended or revoked. Opposition has been lodged by the government of Mexico, Misereor (an overseas development agency of the Catholic Church in Germany), and Greenpeace Germany.