03
/ July
2012
Despite internal disagreements and years of debate, it appears the EU patent will be a reality
A unitary patent system for Europe was finally agreed to late last month, albeit minus the participation of some major players (Italy and Spain), providing a system for the grant and enforcement of a unitary EU patent. Ratification will require the agreement of 13 member states (excluding Italy and Spain), and it is widely anticipated the program will roll out sometime in 2014.