Paris, 19/11/2003 (Agence Europe) - France would like extra thinking time before taking up negotiations again in Council on the patentability of "computer-developed inventions", according to the French government spokesperson, Jean-François Copé. He feels that the European Parliament's vote in September "showed that the subject has not reached maturity at European level, and that consultations should continue" (see EUROPE of 25 September, p.11). The French government will suggest "extra time" to its European partners, to "carry out an internal consultation", he said. By approving the report by Labour MEP Arlene McCarthy, Parliament attempted to reach a compromise between the diametrically opposite opinions of advocates of patentability, on the grounds of protection of innovation, and its opponents, who feel that the procedure would be too much for small enterprises, and would only benefit giants like Microsoft. MEPs had adopted a number of amendments to clarify the definition of "inventions" which could be patented. Debate in Council has been more consensual to date.