"The IP system needs constant adaptations"

30. April 2009

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Day two of the European Patent Forum 2009 opened with a speech by Jean-Noël Durvy, Director for Innovation Policy in DG Enterprise and Industry, where he outlined the consequences of new technologies for Europe's intellectual property system.

Speaking during the plenary session, Mr Durvy said that in a world of digital technologies, "simple patent protection does not apply anymore".

Beyond patents

"More complex solutions must be envisioned, combining for instance patent, design, copyright and informal protection methods," he said, adding that: "Digital technologies are developing at a pace that raises challenges to the speed of the patent process."

Mr Durvy went on to say that innovation processes are also changing, with many technologies depending on inputs from different sides. "Innovation has become more combinatorial and embedded," he said. "We are moving away from the days when each actor stayed with his own IP."

"The IP system needs constant adaptations," he said, to ensure that it does not stifle innovation.

Case study from one SME

The speech was followed by a presentation by Jerzy Dryndos, CEO of Polish software company Logotec. He described his company as "innovative" but said that it holds no patents at all.

Using his company as a case study, Mr Dryndos explained how difficult it is for small and medium-sized enterprises to enforce their rights, leading many to ignore patents altogether.

He said that his company was not opposed to using patents in principle, but only if they are effective. "If patents can provide better protection, we should use them," he said.

The European Patent Forum 2009 in Prague ends today.

Further information

• EPO events: European Patent Forum and PATINNOVA 2009