asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the present position regarding the EEC proposals to introduce a uniform procedure for issuing European patents.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - European Patents.
41.
A diplomatic conference is to be held at Munich in September, 1973, for the purpose of concluding a convention providing for the setting up of a European system for the grant of patents. Twenty-one European states in all, including the EEC states, are involved in the negotiations.
A second convention, which is now in draft form and which is expected to be concluded in 1974, will provide for the establishment of a single system of patent law for the EEC states.
The European Commission has called for ratification and implementation of the Conventions by 1976.