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Changes to European-wide patent law will benefit smaller business by giving them "greater clarity" on how other patents affect their operations, it has been suggested.
Sarah Challenger, communications and media manager at the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) confirmed that the reforms were "very significant" as it was the first revision of the European Patent Convention since 1973.
She illustrated that the central reform was the introduction of a central amendment process at the European Patent Office (EPO) so that a European patent can be amended in all the states that it is in force in one process.
Commenting on the impact this would have for smaller businesses in the UK, Ms Challenger highlighted that together with changes to post grant amendments of patents, small firms would have "more options and flexibility when amending patents".
In addition, she indicated that it would allow for greater choice in disputes over patent rights as the patent provider would have the choice of amending their European patent in the UK or before the EPO.
"This gives smaller businesses greater clarity on the effect of other patents on their inventions," Ms Challenger added.
The UK IPO is responsible for granting intellectual property rights in the UK including patents, designs, trade marks and copyright.
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