Brussels, 13/01/2012 (Agence Europe) - Is Italy preparing to join the 25 member states that are working together in the unitary European patent? That is what German agency DPA reports, quoting Danish Competitiveness Minister Ole Sohn. According to DPA, Sohn, speaking in Copenhagen on Thursday 12 January, said that Italy wanted to join the system. Italian sources were unwilling on Friday 13 January either to confirm or deny this position.
Officially, Italy's position remains the unchanged: in May of last year, Italy and Spain appealed to the EU Court of Justice challenging the decision of 25 member states to work together in enhanced cooperation on patents. Neither of these two countries was happy that patents were to be issued in three languages - English, German and French. They are still awaiting an opinion.
In December of last year, Italy opened the door somewhat when its European Affairs Minister Enzo Moavero Milanesi said that his country was prepared to take part in putting in place the international agreement creating the patents court, but without committing Italy to full participation in the system, a source says. This final judicial chapter on patents remains deadlocked, however, as France, Germany and the United Kingdom slug it out to see where the court will be based. (SP/transl.rt)