Press releases

"Pig-breeding" patent (EP 1651777) in the spotlightThis European patent, which has been opposed by various groups, organisations and individuals, relates to a breeding method whereby a genetic analysis is carried out to screen for a variation (polymorphism) occurring naturally in some pigs, with a view to identifying those animals suitable for improving pork production and to selecting appropriate breeding pairs.

Steigende Anmeldezahlen 2008 / Deutschland mit deutlichem Wachstum – Bayern führend / Qualitätspolitik des Europäischen Patentamts zeigt WirkungDie Zahl der europäischen Patentanmeldungen ist 2008 weiter gestiegen, wenn auch nicht mehr so stark. Beim Europäischen Patentamt sind letztes Jahr insgesamt 146 600 Patentanmeldungen eingegangen ‑ 2007 waren es 141 400 (+3,6%). Insgesamt 26 653 Anmeldungen stammten aus Deutschland (18,2%).

"A special tribute to a special chairman" The Administrative Council of the European Patent Organisation has made Roland Grossenbacher its "Honorary Chairman".

Pioneering solutions to today's global challenges: nominations for European Inventor of the Year 2009Twelve inventors and their patented inventions nominated for Europe's top innovation prize / Awards ceremony in Prague on 28 April 2009

European Patent Office takes a tougher stance on quality as European patent applications continue to riseThe number of European patent applications has continued to increase in 2008, albeit at a much lower level. The European Patent Office received a total of 146 600 patent applications last year, compared with 141 400 in 2007. The Office lowered the grant rate for European patents for the first time to less than 50%.

EU-China high-level forum on protection of intellectual property rights: results presented to European industry High-level officials from China and the EU have met in Brussels today to present progress on strengthening intellectual property rights (IPR) protection and enforcement.