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High-level French-German delegation visits the European Patent Office

Munich , 1 February 2008 --- The French State Secretary for European Affairs, Jean-Pierre Jouyet, and the German Minister of State for Europe, Günter Gloser, paid a joint visit to the European Patent Office (EPO) today. In talks with senior EPO officials the representatives of the two governments discussed issues relating to the further development of the patent system in Europe, particularly in view of the French Council Presidency in the second half of the year. The delegation also included the French ambassador to Germany, Bernard de Montferrand, the French consul general in Munich, Stéphane Visconti, and the head of the French delegation on the Administrative Council of the European Patent Organisation, Benoît Battistelli.

The talks focused on the development of relations with China, the creation of a central European patent court and the introduction of the Community patent, which would be valid throughout the EU. By ratifying the London Agreement, France and Germany have played a major role in efforts to further improve the system. The agreement, which will enter into force on 1 May, will significantly reduce translation costs for European patents.

For further information please contact:

European Patent Office
Rainer Osterwalder
Tel.: +49 (0)89 2399-1820
Mobile: +49 (0)163-8399527