[Random-bits] Brussels to probe patents

[James Love]

http://news.ft.com/ft/gx.cgi/ftc?pagename=View&c=Article&cid=FT3XLFXTFEC&live=true&tagid=ZZZAN4NOD0C

Brussels to probe patents
By Jean Eaglesham, Legal Correspondent
Published: October 17 2000


The question of whether software should be patentable, which divides
industry and governments alike, is to be formally addressed by the
European Commission.

A senior official said on Tuesday the Commission would launch a two
month public consultation next week, as a precursor to agreeing its
policy early next year. Some companies are pushing for Europe to follow
the US lead and allow patents - monopoly rights - on software. But other
businesses argue that this would stifle, rather than encourage,
innovation. "There is a passionate debate raging on both sides," said
Alison Brimelow, chief executive of the UK patent office. The Commission
recognises that any policy move is likely to prove controversial, but
believes it has to address the issue.

"We have a big problem but we have it anyway, whatever decision is
taken," said Heinz Zourek, deputy director general of markets. "We are
trying to get a view of the positions of member states and interested
parties on how to proceed."

Mr Zourek added that the consultation paper, which will be posted on the
Commission's website, would use structured questions to try to "avoid a
philosophical debate". The consultation will run until December 15.

The Commission announcement coincided with an agreement by several
countries on European patents which Kim Howells, the UK minister for
consumer and corporate affairs, on Tuesday claimed would cut translation
costs by up to 50 per cent.

Rather than having to pay to have each European patent translated into
every national language, companies in countries that have signed up to
the new agreement - Denmark, Germany, the UK, Liechtenstein,
Switzerland, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Monaco - can rely on patents
in English, French and German only.