2006

Putting the right value on your patents - an international conference in LondonBuilding a patent portfolio is for many new and innovative companies an essential for attracting investment, and can be a crucial incentive to potential buyers during the exit strategy. The commercialisation of patents and financial aspects of the management of patent portfolios are the focus of the conference "Patents: realising and securing value" which takes place on 21 November in London.

European patent application for internet trading refused at second instance tooAt oral proceedings held on 29 September 2006, a Technical Board of Appeal at the European Patent Office endorsed the refusal of a European patent application filed by US company Ed Pool et al. for an internet trading system.

European Patent Office in mourning for Johannes Bob van BenthemJohannes Bob van Benthem, first President of the European Patent Office, passed away in The Hague on Monday at the age of 85. One of the prophets and pioneers of patenting in Europe, he was instrumental in establishing the European patent system and founding the European Patent Office (EPO).

Patents: realising and securing value - an international conference in London The commercialisation of patents and financial aspects of the management of patent portfolios are the focus of an international conference which takes place on 21 November in London. Jointly organised by the European Patent Office (EPO), the OECD, and the UK Patent Office, this high-level event addresses decision makers in business and industry, representatives of the financial community such as banks, investment banks, venture capital funds and insurance companies, policy makers in governments agencies and regulatory bodies of financial markets.

European Patent Office in favour of strong patent system in EuropeThe European Patent Office strongly supports the EU Commission's initiative to revive the debate on the patent system in Europe. At the Commission's public hearing on future patent policy in Europe, EPO-President Professor Alain Pompidou pointed out that the consultation process had brought new momentum to the endeavour of reforming the patent system. The system should not only support the larger applicants, but also dynamic smaller companies.

Intervention of Professor Alain Pompidou, President of the European Patent Office, at the public hearing on future patent policy in EuropeCheck Against Delivery. 1. I should like first of all to thank our hosts today, the Commission's Directorate-General Internal Market and Services, represented by the Chairperson Mrs Minor, Mr Stoll and Commissioner McCreevy.

New treaty improves employment conditions at European Patent Office in The Hague and paves way for future development of EPO siteThe European Patent Organisation and the Netherlands have concluded a new Seat Agreement for the branch of the European Patent Office at The Hague. The documents were signed today by the Netherlands Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr Bernard Rudolf Bot, and the President of the EPO, Professor Alain Pompidou.

Filings growth forges ahead at the European Patent Office The demand for patent protection in Europe continues to rise.

EPO and EU join forces to promote innovationThe past year has seen the EPO intensify its co-operation with the European institutions as a means of promoting the European Union's innovation policy.

Breakthrough innovations honoured: The European Inventor of the Year 2006Almost 400 visitors gathered at the spectacular Autoworld Museum in Bussels on 3 May to see EPO President Alain Pompidou and European Commission Vice President Günter Verheugen honour the European Inventors of the Year 2006 at the first-ever awards ceremony organised jointly by the two institutions.

Eleven-nation line-up for European Inventor of the Year awardsAn international jury chaired by former Dutch Prime Minister Wim Kok has nominated inventors from eleven nations for the title of "European Inventor of the Year". The nominees represent nine different countries in Europe, plus Australia and the USA. This new prize for innovation, the joint brainchild of the European Commission and the European Patent Office (EPO), is to be awarded on 3 May at a ceremony in the Autoworld Museum in Brussels. The winners will be honoured by Commission Vice–President and Enterprise and Industry Commissioner Günter Verheugen and EPO President Alain Pompidou.

"European Inventor of the Year" - Conference and Gala hosted by the European Commission and the European Patent Office The European Commission and the European Patent Office (EPO) are jointly organising a gala evening for the first-ever presentation of the European Inventor of the Year awards.

Vice President Verheugen pays visit to the European Patent OfficeGünther Verheugen, Vice President and Commissioner for DG Enterprise and Industry of the European Commission, will pay an official visit to the European Patent Office tomorrow to meet with EPO President Alain Pompidou.