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French and German delegations visit EPO
1. Februar 2008
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Günther Gloser and Manuel Desantes
Europe's relations with China in respect of IP rights, the perspectives of introducing the Community Patent and the question of a central European court for patents were discussed during a visit by a high-level German-French delegation to the EPO today.
On behalf of EPO President Alison Brimelow, who was unable to attend, Vice President Manuel Desantes welcomed the French State Secretary for European Affairs, Mr Jean-Pierre Jouyet, and his German counterpart from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, State Minister Günther Gloser, to the EPO headquarters in Munich for an exchange of views on questions that are likely to be on the agenda during France's EU presidency in the second half of the year.
France's Ambassador to Germany Bernard de Montferrand, the new French Consul General in Munich, Mr Stéphane Visconti and Mr Benoît Battistelli, Head of the French Delegation in the Administrative Council, also took part in the discussions.
In talks with the EPO, both ministers underlined the importance of the Office's work for the innovation process in Europe and in safeguarding of European competitiveness and Minister Gloser expressed hopes that the Community patent system could soon be introduced.
France and Germany have played a leading role in efforts to improve the continent's patent system by ratifying the London Agreement.
This agreement, which will reduce post-grant translation costs for European patents, is due to come into effect on 1 May.
Further information
- Legislative initiatives: Community Patent
- News from 30.1.2008: London Agreement to enter into force on 1 May