Strasbourg, 22/05/2006 (Agence Europe) - The EP has adopted the report by French Socialist MEP Michel Rocard supporting linking the EU “Community Design” system with the international design registration system of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). This would, according to the report, bring several advantages. A single international application would be enough to obtain the protection of a design throughout the EU and also in those countries which are members of the WIPO registration system. Savings could be made with the reduction in the number of translations of the documents and the need to keep watch on the different deadlines for renewal of a great number of national registrations. There would also be a positive impact on research, development and innovation activities and access to protection in third countries would be made easier.
The Commission welcomed the Parliament's support. “This vote is an important step towards out aims of enabling EU businesses to safeguard valuable design rights with less bureaucracy, while encouraging them to trade with third countries,” said Internal Market Commissioner Charlie McCreevy in a press release. “I hope the Council will now be able to adopt (the decision) as soon as possible,” he added.