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EU vs EPO AND PATENT LIGITATION IN EUROPE
Location: Hotel Grand Union, Ljubljana
Time: Tue 6 May, 4pm-6pm
Debate 1: EU Vs EPO (4pm-5pm)
The European Union (EU) plans to delegate its power to grant Community Patents to a non-Community institution, the European Patent Office (EPO). The EPO is not bound by any EU regulation, and is often described by academics as a 'state in the state'. Members of the European Parliament have also criticized the EPO for its lack of political accountability. The EPO grants software patents for the European Patent, and will probably grant such patents for the Community Patent.
Debate 2: European Patent Litigation (5pm-6pm)
Patent litigation is a costly and lenghty process, especially for SMEs. The debate will try to address the following questions, in the light of the experience of some SMEs:
* How does the new measures for patent litigation of european and community patents are going to affect SMEs?
* Do patents which are 'easier to get, easier to enforce' will generate more US-style litigation in Europe?
* Does a central patent court will codify software patents in Europe?
* Does the creation of central court system will cost more?
The event is co-organised by FFII, PatentFrei, Iniciativa programski patenti, and Lugos.
Cocktail will be served together with degustation of Slovenian wines.
Registration is not required, and you can contact Mr Benjamin Henrion <bhenrion at ffii.org> on +32-484-566109 for any questions.
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