This Week: Intellectual Property Politics in Brussels.
On next Wednesday April 04, 2007, Brussels will see two major events covering EU politics in Intellectual Property:
"[...] Wednesday 4 April: Commission to consult on how to make the most of Europe's research potential
The news:
Research is undeniably at the heart of the EU's efforts to create economic growth and jobs, tackle major challenges such as climate change and energy dependency and improve the quality of life of its citizens. But although the EU has just started its biggest research programme to date, previously identified problems, such as overlapping priorities and funding or dispersed research efforts, still persist.
The Commission is scheduled to adopt a consultation document (Green Paper) that will address these and many other issues linked to the creation of a "single European market" for research and researchers.
If Europe is to make the most of its potential, changes are needed in the way research is organised and carried out. Researchers need to be able to carry out their work wherever it is of value, and not be put off by tax, pension or social security problems. Resources should be pooled in research areas where working together will bring results more quickly and efficiently. Large-scale research facilities are best built at European, rather than national level.
The issues raised in the Green Paper go beyond research policy in the strict sense, looking at free movement of persons, international co-operation, intellectual property rights and patenting, innovation policy, equal opportunities, public procurement.
The Green Paper will build upon the principles of a European Research Area laid down in 2000.
The event:
Press conference by Commissioner Poto?nik on "Investing together in research for our future" at the Berlaymont Press Room in Brussels. [...]"
And, the long-awaited communication on possible ways to improve the patent system in Europe:
"[...] Wednesday 4 April: Possible ways to improve the patent system in Europe
The news:
Following the launch of a public consultation phase on future patent policy in January 2006, the European Commission will now come forward with a communication on possible ways to improve the patent system in Europe.
Aim of the consultation was to evaluate how future action in patent policy to create an EU-wide system of protection, can best take account of stakeholders' needs. While the Community Patent remains a priority, the Commission sought views on what measures could be taken in the near future to improve the patent system in Europe.
The consultation focused on three major issues: the Community patent; how the current patent system in Europe could be improved; and possible areas for harmonisation. The Commission also sought views on what action could be taken while work on the Community patent is continuing, in particular within the framework of the existing European patent system, or by bringing national patent systems more closely in line with each other through either approximation of laws or mutual recognition of national patents.
The wide public consultation was followed by a public hearing which was held in Brussels in July 2006.
[UPDATE 2007-04-17] The EU Commission Document "Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council - Enhancing the patent system in Europe" is available here.
two major events covering EU politics in Intellectual Property: