EC moves closer to unified patent mechanism

To replace a fragmented system which hinders technological innovation

Unified patent mechanism will make technology innovation more commercially viable

A new EC Research and Innovation Strategy will be presented at the European Council’s autumn session, delivering the first stages of an EU-wide unified patent mechanism.

The new strategy will also reduce red tape and provide easier access to finance for companies looking to get their innovations to market, and it will boost public procurement of innovative solutions.

Highlights of the strategy were revealed yesterday by Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, European commissioner for research, innovation and science, in a speech to delegates at the European Technology Platforms conference in Brussels.

This will replace the current fragmented patent regime in Europe which is widely seen as a major bottleneck for companies looking to rollout new technologies.
Currently companies have to apply for a patent in each jurisdiction and the rules governing filing and enforcement vary widely from one jurisdiction to the next.

Firms frequently balk at selling products in smaller markets where profit from sales won’t justify the cost of filing. This denies some territories access to those products -other than through the grey market, and suppresses business.

“The strategy will give a vigorous push to reaching an agreement on an EU patent,” said Geoghegan-Quinn. “Enough is enough: let's finally finish the job!”

Given the dire state of some members’ finances, the strategy will put emphasis on financing innovation, including leaning on the European Investment Bank to free up funding.

“We need to ensure that innovative companies, especially high-growth SMEs, get easier access to funding,” the Commissioner told delegates.

The strategy will accelerate the commercialisation of products and services by tackling regulatory barriers and speeding up the development and consolidation of standards, Geoghegan-Quinn promised.

Promoting the uptake of innovations in the public sector “will create new opportunities for businesses and lead to better services for citizens,” said Geoghegan-Quinn.

The Strategy will be based on a broad understanding of innovation, said Geoghegan-Quinn, to include innovation in business models, management structures and processes, the delivery of public services, as well as innovation in design and marketing. It will also cover social innovation, for example, in working practices and community-building.

“It will make clear our intention to refocus research and innovation policies on the major societal challenges facing Europe and the world, including climate change, energy and resource efficiency, health and ageing,” the Commissioner added.

The Research and Innovation Strategy is a core part of Europe 2020, the proposal the EC made in March for the EU to exit the economic crisis in a way that fosters smarter, greener and more inclusive economic growth, delivering high levels of employment, productivity and social cohesion. “What I call an ‘i-conomy,’” said Geoghegan-Quinn.

Political commentators often point out that the EC has a surfeit of strategies but a deficit of actions. However, Geoghegan-Quinn is adamant the Research and Innovation Strategy “won't be a set of promises: it will contain an action plan,” based on concrete partnerships between the EU, member states and industry, she said.