Press Release: Internal Market: Commission asks industry and other stakeholders for their views on future patent policy

The European Commission on 16 January 2006 launched a public consultation on how future action in patent policy to create an EU-wide system of protection could best take account of stakeholders' needs. While the Community Patent remained a priority, the European Commission was also seeking views on what measures could be taken in the near future to improve the patent system in Europe. All interested stakeholders, including industry and individuals, were encouraged to reply. The closing date was scheduled for 31 March 2006.