UK patent law brought into line with Europe
The Government says changes to UK patent law, which bring it into line with European Union (EU) legislation, will make the system clearer and more flexible for businesses.
The changes, which are part of the European Patent Convention 2000 (EPC 2000), form the first Europe-wide reform of patent law for 30 years.
They include clarifications about what medical methods and products can and cannot be patented.
Property and Quality Minister Lord Triesman said:
"The modernised and updated law will better enable businesses in the UK and in Europe to deliver economic benefit from their inventions."
