Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/78028 
Year of Publication: 
2009
Series/Report no.: 
Bruegel Working Paper No. 2009/01
Publisher: 
Bruegel, Brussels
Abstract: 
This paper argues that the consequences of the 'fragmentation' of the European patent system are more dramatic than the mere prohibitive costs of maintaining a patent in force in many jurisdictions. First, detailed analysis of judicial systems in several European countries and four case studies provide evidence suggesting that heterogeneous national litigation costs, practices and outcome induce a high level of uncertainty. Second, a high degree of managerial complexity results from systemic incongruities due to easier 'parallel imports', possible 'time paradoxes' and the de facto paradox of having EU-level competition policy and granting authority ultimately facing national jurisdictional primacy on patent issues. These high degrees of uncertainty and complexity contribute to reduce the effectiveness of the European patent system and provide additional arguments in favour of the Community patent and a centralized litigation in Europe.
Subjects: 
European patent system
patent cost
litigation process
enforcement
uncertainty
JEL: 
K41
P14
O34
Document Type: 
Working Paper
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