Malta joins European Patent Organisation
Malta has become the latest EU Member State to join the European Patent Organisation (EPO). The country's accession brings the number of countries in the EPO to 32, including all of the European Union Member States as well as Iceland, Lichtenstein, Monaco, Switzerland and Turkey. In addition, observer status has been awarded to Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, all of which recognise European patent applications and patents in their countries. According to Professor Alain Pompidou, President of the European Patent Office (EPO), the growth of the organisation signals the importance of a European patent system for European economic growth and competitiveness. 'European patents play a central role in implementing the Lisbon Strategy, and particularly in building up a knowledge society in Europe. Malta's membership means that patent protection can now be obtained for the whole of Europe,' he said. However, the EU is still waiting on a Community patent system, which would allow individuals and companies to obtain a unitary patent valid across the Union.
Countries
Malta