Recent Progress Toward Europe's "Community Patent"

Australian exporters regard Europe as one of the most important and lucrative markets in the world. However, many patent applicants – both local and foreign – have criticised the cost and complexity of gaining patent protection throughout Europe. Whereas the present system of granting and enforcing a patent throughout the respective member states of the European Patent Convention was supposed to circumvent such problems, many find that it only gives rise to a further layer of complexity, confusion and ultimately, cost.

Those having experienced such impediments will be heartened to know that moves are afoot to more completely harmonise what we now understand by the term "European Patent".