Taking out patent protection in Europe is about to become officially a
lot more palatable for British micro business owners on a budget.
From May 1, full translations of European patents will be scrapped as a
requirement for 14 states, including the major markets of the UK,
France and Germany.
Until now, inventors made a single filing with the European Patent
Office to cover 34 countries, but almost every one required translation
before it is recognised.
These translations account for about 25% of the cost of an average
patent, indicating that if granted in seven EU states, the holder would
save £2500 in translation costs.
In light of the new rules, all current applications for EU patents do
not need to file full translations with the UK Intellectual Property
Office, as of February 1, 2008.
In the longer term, the government estimates that inventors and
businesses will save more than £10m a year simply by abandoning the
need for full translations.
“The French government has taken an historic step, which brings about
changes first conceived in Paris in 1999,” said Baroness Morgan,
minister for Intellectual Property.
“The London Agreement will greatly reduce the cost of patenting in
Europe. Innovative UK companies will find it easier to protect their
ideas, and market new inventions, benefiting consumers and the economy
alike.”
Ian Fletcher, chief executive of the IPO, said: “The simple step of
cutting patent translations – translations which were rarely read –
will save businesses more than £2,000 for a typical European patent
application.
“This will amount to an estimated £10 million saving for British
businesses every year. This is a major saving, particularly for SMEs,
and I welcome the decision by the French government which has allowed
it to happen.”
Elsewhere in IP circles, celebrity lawyer Nick Freeman recently
trademarked his “Mr Loophole” alias to prohibit other legal
practitioners from using it.
The 51-year-old, who won his reputation by getting stars off driving
offences, was reportedly unhappy at legal firms calling themselves
‘loophole lawyers.’
Although he admitted he didn’t create the name, Mr Freeman’s protection
from the Patent Office means he can now take legal action against
anyone who tries to use it.
“The media coined the term for me,” he reportedly said, “and while some
might not know the name Nick Freeman, they usually have heard the name
‘Mr Loophole.’”
The Manchester-based lawyer, who charges a reported £10,000 a day, has
helped David Beckham, Sir Ranulph Fiennes and Jeremy Clarkson escape
conviction.
Feb 19, 2008
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