Connect with us

Politics

New rules to promote standard-setting innovation in new technologies

Published

on

The Legal Affairs Committee adopted on Wednesday, with 13 votes for, no votes against and 10 abstentions, its position on new rules to support the so-called standard-essential patents (SEPs). These patents protect cutting-edge technologies, such as Wi-Fi or 5G, which are essential to a technical standard, meaning that e.g. no Internet of Things (IoT) products can be developed without using them. They also play a key role in the development of connected vehicles, smart cities and technologies to mitigate climate change.

The aim is to encourage SEP holders and implementers to innovate in the EU and create products based on the latest standardised technologies that will benefit businesses and consumers.

Emphasis on small companies

MEPs want to task the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) to create a SEP Licensing Assistance Hub as a one-stop shop to provide free-of-charge training and support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups. EUIPO should also help small companies to identify which standard essential patent they will need to use and thus pay for when developing their products and on how to best enforce their rights, including how to be paid if they hold such a patent.

EUIPO competence centre

MEPs agreed on tasking EUIPO with new powers to help reduce litigations and increase transparency. EUIPO will create a register of holders of standard essential patents, it will verify which patents are really essential to a particular standard, what is the fair payment for the use of such a patent and provide help in related negotiations between companies. EUIPO should also set up an electronic database with detailed information on SEPs terms for registered users, including academic institutions.

The EUIPO competence centre would also train evaluators of SEPs and conciliators mediating between parties and establish rosters of EU candidates for these positions. MEPs added provisions to ensure these candidates have the necessary qualifications and are impartial. The competence centre would further cooperate with national and international patent offices as well as authorities of third countries dealing with SEPs to get information about the SEPs-related rules outside the EU.

Quote

Following the committee vote, rapporteur Marion Walsmann (EPP, DE) said: “The new instruments will bring much-needed transparency to an opaque system, make negotiations fairer and more efficient, and strengthen European technological sovereignty. For instance, in 5G almost 85% of the standard essential patents are in fact non-essential. The new essentiality test will stop the occurrence of over-declaration and strengthen EU SEP holders´ position in global markets. SEP holders will also benefit from an increased number of licenses, faster agreements, more predictable returns, and a reduced risk of litigation. SEP implementers, 85% of which are small and medium-sized enterprises, will benefit from legal and financial predictability.”

Next steps

The agreed text needs to be adopted by Parliament as a whole before talks with EU countries on the final shape of the legislation can start.

Background

The current SEPs market is fragmented, as there is no organisation in charge of informing firms about who holds which key patents and how much they ask for their use. This makes it difficult for companies to develop new devices using the technologies covered by these patents. The Commission proposed a new regulation on standard essential patents in April 2023 as part of the ‘EU patent package’. The proposal reacts to Parliament resolution from 11 November 2021, where MEPs called for a strong, balanced and robust intellectual property system.

Source link

Author

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Politics

Von der Leyen Charts Strategic Path for Europe’s Future at Budapest EPC Meeting

Published

on

European Commission President emphasizes transatlantic ties, economic resilience, and defense preparedness as EU leaders focus on competitive, sustainable, and secure Europe

At the European Political Community (EPC) meeting in Budapest, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen outlined a strategic vision for Europe’s future, emphasizing transatlantic relations, economic resilience, and defense preparedness.

Von der Leyen began by congratulating Donald J. Trump on his recent electoral victory, expressing eagerness to strengthen the transatlantic bond. This gesture underscores the EU‘s commitment to robust relations with the United States, a key ally in addressing global challenges.

The President highlighted Europe‘s unity in overcoming recent crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the energy challenges stemming from Russia’s war in Ukraine. She stressed the importance of continued collaboration to navigate future challenges.

Central to her address were three strategic priorities:

  1. Joint Plan for Competitiveness, Digitalization, and Decarbonization: Von der Leyen referenced the Draghi Report, authored by former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, which calls for substantial EU investments to enhance competitiveness and address climate goals. The report recommends annual investments of €750 billion to €800 billion to keep pace with global competitors like the U.S. and China. Euronews
  2. Reducing Overdependencies and Leveling the Economic Playing Field: The President emphasized the need to mitigate Europe‘s reliance on external entities, fostering a more balanced economic environment. This aligns with Draghi’s recommendations for a comprehensive industrial strategy to prevent the EU from lagging behind global competitors. Financial Times
  3. Enhancing Defense Capabilities and Preparedness: Drawing on the Niinistö Report by former Finnish President Sauli Niinistö, von der Leyen advocated for bolstering Europe’s defense mechanisms. The report suggests that the EU allocate 20% of its budget to security and crisis preparedness, addressing geopolitical tensions and climate change risks. Financial Times

Von der Leyen’s address reflects a proactive approach to Europe’s future, building on expert insights to navigate complex global dynamics. Her call to action underscores the EU’s commitment to unity and strategic planning in the face of evolving challenges.

Author

Continue Reading

Politics

Cross-border crime: criminal cases can now be transferred to another EU country

Published

on

DISCLAIMER OPINIONS: The opinions of the authors or reproduced in the articles are the ones of those stating them and it is their own responsibility. Should you find any incorrections you can always contact the newsdesk to seek a correction or right of replay.

DISCLAIMER TRANSLATIONS: All articles in this site are published in English. The translated versions are done through an automated process known as neural translations. If in doubt, always refer to the original article. Thank you for understanding.

DISCLAIMER PHOTOS: We mostly used photos images that are readily available online, from free sources, or from the people promoting the news. If by any chance it happens that we have used one of your copyrighted photos, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will take it down without question. We do not make profits as this is a not for profit project to give voice to the voiceless while giving them a platform to be informed also of general news, and it is completely free.

Author

  • Daniela Daecher is a twenty-something bookworm and coffee addict with a passion for geeking out over sci fi, tv, movies, and books. In 2013 she completed her BA in English with a specialization in Linguistics. In 2014 she completed her MA in Linguistics, focusing on the relationship between language and communication in written form. She currently lives in Munich, Germany.

Continue Reading

Politics

EESC proposes concrete recommendations for building a resilient and sustainable food system for the future

Published

on

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has laid out a bold vision for transforming the EU’s agriculture, fisheries, and food systems to better withstand crises while ensuring sustainability. The opinion “Fostering sustainable and resilient food systems in times of crisis,” requested by the Hungarian presidency, was adopted at the October plenary. By focusing on food security, fair income for producers, environmental resilience, and the next generation of food producers, these proposals offer a clear path for the EU to build a food system that not only survives continuous challenges and crisis but thrives in the long term.

The EESC envisions a food system that is competitive, crisis-proof, and aligned with EU environmental and social objectives. “Ensuring stable, sustainable incomes for producers is essential, as is fostering a knowledge-based food policy that encourages innovation” said Arnold Puech d’Alissac, President of the World Farmers Organisation and one of the three rapporteurs of the opinion. To support this vision, the EESC calls for a new policy model to strengthen the farming sector’s bargaining position in the food chain when it comes to price negotiations as well as an increase in the budget for adequate financing of EU agriculture and fisheries.

EESC insists that future trade agreements should incorporate the Green Deal and Farm to Fork standards to ensure fair competition and maintain high food quality, aligning global trade with the EU’s sustainability goals.

“Ensuring fair income for primary producers is critical,” noted Piroska Kállay, rapporteur from Hungary. ”We need to see farmers as part of the solution and not part of the problem”, she added. Stricter enforcement of unfair trading practices and the standardization of their enforcement at the EU level as well as the introduction of a ban on below-cost selling, are necessary steps to rebalance power in the food supply chain.

To sustain the food system for future generations, the EESC advocates for policies that promote generational renewal, particularly targeting young people and women. This includes education, training, and support for cooperatives and community-assisted agriculture, which build resilience by distributing economic risks and benefits more equitably among producers.

The EESC also recommends rewarding carbon sequestration efforts in agriculture, such as sustainable soil management, while implementing policies to prevent carbon leakage. ”These measures would help align food production with the EU’s climate targets and global environmental commitments,” said Joe Healy, rapporteur from Ireland.

In response to the growing threat of climate-related disasters, the EESC proposes an EU-wide system of public insurance, backed by public investment, to protect producers from natural disasters like floods or crop failures, ensuring continuity in food supply.

Sustainable management of soil and water is essential for long-term productivity. The EESC urges policies that regenerate and restore soil health, increase water efficiency and reduce water usage, —critical steps in maintaining resilience against climate pressures.

Additionally, the EESC calls for reducing red tape throughout the food chain to streamline processes and increase transparency. Regulating trade flows and establishing a digitized data center for price and cost tracking will help avoid market disruptions and enhance transparency in food supply chains.

Finally, the EESC reiterates its previous proposals for establishing a European Food Policy Council (EFPC) to strengthen dialogue on food-related issues. This platform would bring together diverse stakeholders to align food policy with broader social and environmental objectives, ensuring a cohesive approach to the EU’s food systems. The EESC notes with satisfaction the similar proposal in the report of the strategic dialogue on the future of EU agriculture.

The EESC’s proposals provide a comprehensive roadmap for strengthening the EU’s food systems, making them more resilient, sustainable, and equitable in the face of growing global challenge. (ks)

Author

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2023 EuroTimes

Exit mobile version