§ Sue DoughtyTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the Council of Ministers will next discuss the proposed European Directive on the patentability of computer-implemented inventions; and if she will oppose any proposals during the discussions for the extension of software patents. [174744]
§ Ms Hewitt[holding answer 20 May 2004]: The competitiveness council discussed the proposed Directive on the patentability of computer-implemented inventions at its meeting on 17 and 18 May 2004, which 1568W my right hon. Friend the Minister for Industry and the Regions attended for the UK. The position of the UK Government has always been to clarify the law on the patentability of computer-implemented inventions, not to change the extent of patentability. Political agreement was reached on a revised text. The UK supported the Directive in the Council and we would oppose any proposal for the extension of software patents.