Fischler adds his voice to calls for agreement on a Community patent

Brussels, 11 Feb 2003

Franz Fischler, Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries, has called on national governments to find a solution to the open issue of a Community patent in order to boost European innovation.

Dr Fischler was addressing senior semiconductor industry executives at the 16th European industry strategy symposium in Villach, Austria, on 10 February. The theme for the event was 'opportunities in an enlarged Europe'.

'It is essential that Member States reach agreement on the Commission's proposal for a Community patent, which would give inventors the option of obtaining a single patent legally valid throughout the European Union,' he said.

The Commissioner pointed out that currently a patent valid in eight EU countries costs three to five times as much as Japanese or US patents.

Dr Fischler also urged Member States to 'actively back innovation of the Union's economy', and in doing so, stressed the importance of research and development as a tool for growth.

The EU's Sixth Framework Programme aims to contribute to the creation of a true European Research Area, said the Commissioner: 'Europe must become an internal market for science and technology.' To read the full speech, please click here

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