Joint statement of MEDEF and BDI on the EPC and the London Agreement.
The French "Mouvement des Entreprises de France" (MEDEF) as well as the German Bundesverband der deutschen Industrie e.V." (BDI) have finalised a Joint statement on the EPC and the London Agreement pressing for an expedited ratification of the London Agreement: " [...] Experience gained through the last 25 years shows that comprehensive translations of the granted European patents are very rarely used while they are a heavy burden for companies seeking to protect their inventions and improve their competitive position. The political will to make the European economy more competitive should lead to the removal of useless barriers to the protection of industrial property. The Federations of French and German Industries see that the London Agreement is crucial for a more competitive European Patent. The agreement is a great achievement of the European Patent Organisation and it should enter into force as soon as possible. This will not only help European industry to obtain affordable protection for technical inventions, but it will also contribute favourably to the debate on the establishment of a Community Patent. We therefore appeal to all Contracting States to ratify the London Agreement as soon as possible. [...]"
As aready reported in my earlier posting, Germany has initiated the ratification procedure concerning this important Agreement. However, without ratification by France, there is no way to enter into force of the Agreement . And, up to now, it is absolutely unclear if and when France will take the necessary steps.