As discussed previously in IP Menu news (London Agreement likely to enter into force early 2008), a bill to ratify the London Agreement has been before the French Parliament. On 9 October 2007 the French Senate approved the bill, following the approval of the National Assembly. As France will be the tenth country to ratify the agreement, it will come into force four months after the instrument of ratification is deposited.

“Signatories to the London Agreement renounce their right to demand that entire patent applications be translated into their national language. By only requiring that the claims of the patent be translated, the translation costs associated with European patents will be reduced,”

The French parliament also authorized ratification of the European Patent Convention as revised in November 2000 (EPC 2000).

Further information and sources

European Patent Office - French Parliament approvPublish Postes London Agreement

IP Menu News - London Agreement likely to enter into force early 2008