The mouse that got away

Article Abstract:

Many inventors and scientists, especially those in the bioengineering and the computer software and hardware fields, discover that it can be very difficult to obtain patents protecting intellectual property rights in Europe. Applying for a patent through the European Patent Office (EPO) is a long process which can take up to seven years. Statistics indicate that the EPO received 1.2 million patent applications in 1986. The patent process is complicated by the fact that individual European Community (EC) members have the right to overrule EPO guidelines. Another troubling issue regarding patents is that borrowing and stealing inventions occurs regularly. In response, the European Commission is trying to pass a variety of regulations, including the Community Patent Convention and the Community Trademark Regulation, which apply universally throughout the EC starting Jan 1, 1993.

Economic aspects, Laws, regulations and rules, Intellectual property, European Union, European Union. European Commission, European Patent Office, Trademarks, Patents

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The earth's new friends?

Article Abstract:

Growing public sentiment throughout Europe expressing support for stronger laws to protect the environment has motivated many companies to take steps to place themselves in the position of being able to claim they are concerned about the environment. Some have engaged in sincere efforts to reduce pollution, locate less harmful ingredients, and use less energy, while other have merely cashed in on consumer's concerns by using marketing campaigns that advertise their newly discovered environmental consciousness.

Analysis, Ecology, Environmental protection

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