Patents Bill Passed by Parliament

Published: 28 July 2004
By: Mick Ralph

The Patents Bill has passed all its stages in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, and it was granted Royal Assent on 22 July. This paves the way for the UK to ratify the amendments to the European Patent Convention which were agreed in 2000. The amendments to EPC will not enter into force until 15 EU states have ratified the revised Convention; it is understood that currently 10 states have ratified.