ESAB statement on the possible introduction of a grace period in Europe

17 March 2015

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The EPO's Economic and Scientific Advisory Board (ESAB) has issued a statement on the possible introduction of a grace period in Europe.

There was no consensus amongst ESAB members regarding the desirability of the introduction of a grace period in Europe. However, they did agree that Europe should consider introducing a grace period only if two vital conditions are met:

1. the grace period must be a "safety-net" grace period, and

2. the grace period must be internationally harmonised in the key global patent systems.

In preparing its statement, ESAB took into account the report of a workshop held in Munich on 26 November 2014 and an economic study which ESAB had commissioned from external consultants.

Further information

• Economic and Scientific Advisory Board (ESAB)
• Workshop summary: grace period 
• Statement by ESAB on the grace period
• Economic analysis of the grace period by Europe Economics