Arnaldo Abruzzini, EUROCHAMBRES’ Secretary General, commented: ‘Heads of state can repeat their determination to create growth and jobs as often as they like, but it is specific measures like the EU patent that will really make a difference for our entrepreneurs and innovators. The vast costs and complexity of patenting in Europe are well-documented, which is why the continued absence of a single EU patent regime remains a significant constraint on businesses and thus on our economic recovery and growth.’

The idea of a ‘Community Patent’ has been under consideration since the 1960s, with the Commission finally adopting a proposal in 2003. Since then, language has proved to be the main sticking point in the negotiations and the arrival of the Lisbon Treaty further complicated the issue.

Abruzzini continued: ‘It would be naïve to ignore the fact that linguistic differences present obstacles. We feel that this proposal from the Commission presents a sensible compromise that tackles the language issue in a way that will significantly reduce the costs associated in filing a patent. We very much hope this will prove to be the final episode of the EU patent saga.’