§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to simplify the process of registration of patents in the United Kingdom. [64643]
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§ Dr. Howells[holding answer 11 January 1999]: The Government's 1998 Competitiveness White Paper recognises the fundamental importance of intellectual property rights, including patents, to an innovative economy, and the need for such rights to be accessible. The Patent Office will therefore be continuing its drive to simplify its detailed rules and procedures to make it easier for businesses, especially small and medium enterprises, to obtain patent protection. Building on steps it has already taken, for example in making patent application forms available on its web-site, the Office will be actively pursuing the possibilities for its customers to deal electronically. The Government will also be working with their European partners to simplify and harmonise the patent system in Europe, in particular in response to European Commission proposals expected following its Green Paper on the Community Patent and the Patent System in Europe.