HC Deb 10 November 1977 vol 938 cc250-1W
Mr. Albert Roberts

asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether the United Kingdom has ratified the Patent Cooperation Treaty ; and when the treaty will come into force.

Mr. Clinton Davis:

The United Kingdom ratified the Patent Co-operation Treaty on 24th October 1977 whilst the House was in recess. As a consequence, the treaty will come into force on 24th January 1978. It is likely that applications may be filed under the treaty as from June 1978.