This book provides an overall survey of the European patent system. It focuses on the system's often complex mechanisms, one of its main aims being to describe the various stages in the grant and appeal procedures in as simple and practical a way as possible. An explanation is given of all the key provisions in the European Patent Convention (EPC) relating to the grant of European patents: filing, search, examination, grant, opposition and appeals. The commentary is based on current practice at the European Patent Office (EPO). By way of introduction, the book begins with a description of the EPO's structure and the departments in which its over 4700 staff work. The footnotes contain references to the decisions of the EPO boards of appeal and Enlarged Board of Appeal, as well as numerous cross-references to the UK Patents Act 1977. This will make it easier for those familiar with English law, which has largely been brought into line with the EPC, to understand the European patent system.
This book provides an overall survey of the European patent system. It focuses on the system's often complex mechanisms, one of its main aims being to describe the various stages in the grant and appeal procedures in as simple and practical a way as possible. An explanation is given of all the key provisions in the European Patent Convention (EPC) relating to the grant of European patents: filing, search, examination, grant, opposition and appeals. The commentary is based on current practice at the European Patent Office (EPO). By way of introduction, the book begins with a description of the EPO's structure and the departments in which its over 4700 staff work. The footnotes contain references to the decisions of the EPO boards of appeal and Enlarged Board of Appeal, as well as numerous cross-references to the UK Patents Act 1977. This will make it easier for those familiar with English law, which has largely been brought into line with the EPC, to understand the European patent system.