[Ecommerce] Re: ZDNet: Last-gasp attempt to block patent directive

[Philippe Aigrain]

Just for the understanding of those not familiar with the European legislative
process : the European Council is just considering the adoption of its common
position concluding the first reading step. If they actually adopt the common
position, there will still be a second reading pahse and possibly a
conciliation phase, during which the Parliament can reject the text or amend
it again as it did in first reading. In second reading the Parliament needs
majority of MEPs (and not majority of present) to reach a decision, which
makes it less easy. However, an adoption of the Council position as presently
drafted (extremely pro-patent) will be resented by the Parliament
(particularly if it occurs without vote while positions of 3 countries have
changed since the draft was considered as a political agreement). In other
terms, the situation is very unstable :
- This is the 6th time the adoption of the common position is on the Council
agenda, and on the morning of this day, we still don't know if it will
actually be considered.
- The consequences of the adoption -if it occurs- are also an object of
speculation. Many think that the Parliament will be so offended that it might
reject the text.

Philippe