§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will consider a scheme to give world patent cover for products of outstanding future value for firms unable to afford such costs; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. EyreI am afraid that the difficulties of reconciling numerous different national systems mean that there is no prospect of a single patent with worldwide effect. Nevertheless, the European patent convention and the patent cooperation treaty, to both of which the United Kingdom belongs and which together account for some 30 countries, have facilitated obtaining patent coverage overseas. In appropriate cases, the National Research Development Corporation is prepared to consider giving assistance to firms who desire patent protection.