EPO celebrates 40 years of the European Patent Convention
The European Patent Office (EPO) celebrated the 40th anniversary of the European Patent Convention (EPC) on October 17th.
The EPC established a legal framework that allowed the transnational grant of European patents.
When the EPC was signed in Munich on October 5, 1973, it was hoped the continent-wide patent system would improve the economy and strengthen relationships between European countries.
EPO president Benoît Battistelli said: “After forty years, we can say that the EPC, which created the [EPO], has provided the ground for building a real success, not only from a technical point of view but also in its European and political dimension.”
He added: “The high quality of products and services delivered by the EPO is acknowledged across the globe. Ever since it was set up, the EPO has played an active role in fostering innovation and has given Europe a strong voice in its ongoing dialogue with the other world leaders in technology.”
The European patent system is due to be updated with the introduction of the Unitary Patent and Unified Patent Court, though no firm dates have yet been set for their implementation.
President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy, who attended the EPO’s celebration, said: “The Unitary Patent marks the end of a 40-year odyssey and opens new horizons for European entrepreneurs.”
When it was set up in 1977, the EPO was made of seven member states. It has now expanded to 38 countries, including all 28 members of the EU, and represents a market that includes 600 million individuals.
