§ Mr. Millanasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what arrangements have been made, and on what basis, for exploiting the patents purchased by the Government from Rolls-Royce Limited;
(2) what arrangements have been made for paying the renewal fees on the patents purchased by the Government from Rolls-Royce Limited; and who is bearing the cost.
§ Mr. CorfieldThe Government have given Rolls-Royce (1971) Ltd. authority to use all the industrial property rights for the purposes of its undertaking and business and to grant licences, with departmental approval. Appropriate arrangements will be made either to assign or license the use of patents by the purchasers of the other Rolls-Royce assets. Rolls-Royce (1971) Ltd. is authorised to manage the patents on behalf of the154W Government and will bear the cost except for certain of the patents which are exclusive to parts of the undertaking not required by Rolls-Royce (1971) Ltd. and which are maintained and paid for by those undertakings.
§ Mr. Millanasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry why the patents purchased by the Government from Rolls-Royce Limited are still registered in the British Register of Patents in the name of the company.
§ Mr. CorfieldApproximately 1,500 patents and patent applications are involved in the assignment of Rolls-Royce's industrial property rights to the Government. The formalities of registration have been complex and have of necessity taken some time. These formalities are nearing completion and the assignment of the deeds should be effected shortly.