"The European Commission has launched a public consultation on
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 is also seeking
views on what measures could be taken in the near future to improve
the patent system in Europe. All interested stakeholders, including
industry and individuals, are encouraged to reply. The closing date
is 31 March 2006.
"Internal Market and Services Commissioner Charlie McCreevy
said: 'Good intellectual property rules are essential: by
stimulating innovation and leading to the successful development of
new products, they help to generate growth and jobs. We want to
maximise these benefits in Europe by making the single market for
patents a reality. This is why I am asking businesses and
individuals alike to give me their views on how we should move
forward to achieve this. Meanwhile we will of course continue to
strive for the Community Patent, which remains central to our
policy...'"
