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14/04/05 UK Hi-Tech Industry's Ability to Innovate Hangs in the Balance European Parliament moves to Second Reading of the proposed Directive on the patentability of computer-implemented inventions (CII). Intellect has today marked the start of the European Parliament's second reading of the draft directive on the patentability of CII by confirming that UK hi-tech firms, both large and small, are in favour of the Common Position.
It has also issued a stark warning to legislators; Do not underestimate the need to protect innovation. As it is through effective patent protection of high tech inventions investment in innovation and R&D will be encouraged and jobs will be secured.
John Higgins, Intellect Director General said:
"If Britain wants to be one of the great success stories of the knowledge economy then investment in innovation and R&D must be encouraged. The proposed Directive will provide a valuable clarification and codification of existing patent law and rights with regard to CII in Europe. It will secure the UK's position as a leading global innovator, securing jobs, and stimulating technology transfer and knowledge sharing."
"European legislators now have a choice, they can choose to adopt the Directive and accelerate us towards a innovative, coherent knowledge economy or they can choose to vote against the Directive and watch as we stagnate and other economies surge ahead of us."
Intellect calls on the European Parliament to vote to adopt the Common Position without the more radical amendments adopted at first reading that would be so harmful to UK industry. About the CII Directive In our digital era, computer-implemented inventions (CII) are at the heart of all digital technology and are a very significant force behind innovation in Europe in many industry sectors spanning healthcare, telecommunications, mobile phones, motor vehicles, aviation and consumer electronics. These computer-implemented inventions will continue to boost Research and Development (R&D) and secure employment in Europe, as long as they can adequately be protected by patents. Patent protection currently exists and the political agreement achieved by the Council in May 2004 on the CII Directive, and adopted as a Common Position by the Council on 7th March 2005, continues to provide it. The issue has prompted considerable debate and some of the amendments proposed by the European Parliament in first reading would eliminate most CII patents. The removal of patent protection would seriously threaten R&D in Europe. European and non-European companies alike would shy away from investing in innovation in Europe. Thousands of jobs in Europe would be at risk. The political agreement adopted by the Council in May 2004 will help the European Union to fulfil the Lisbon Agenda for Europe to become the leading knowledge-based economy and is the best way forward for Europe. www.patents4innovation.org - website provides news, facts and opinions to inform the debate and includes video interviews with inventors and SMEs as well as the latest news on the progress of the proposed legislation.
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