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>[19.Jun.08]
Patents - Fewer Patents Granted as
EPO Focuses on Quality
Source: EPO [Adapted]
The
number of European patents granted in 2007 fell compared
to the previous year, despite an increase in the number
of applications filed at the EPO (European Patent Office),
according to statistics published in the Annual Report.
Last year, the Office
granted a total of 54 699 European patents, a drop of
12.9% compared to the 62 777 European patents granted
in 2006.
EPO President, Alison
Brimelow, explained that this is due to a focus on quality
rather than quantity. "What we need is not more
patents, but more good patents," she said. "The
EPO aims to make sure that the patents it grants are
relevant. The lower number of patents published in 2007
reflects this priority and is a step in the right direction",
was added.
According
to Ms. Brimelow, "Putting the emphasis on quality
over quantity in the granting of European patents is
a key strategy for safeguarding the proper functioning
of the European patent system."
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