WIPO promises quick-fix patent procedure

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has passed a treaty that will simplify and reduce the costs of the patenting procedure.

The patent law treaty (PLT) was finalised last week at the end of a WIPO diplomatic conference in Geneva and signed by 43 countries, including the United Kingdom.

WIPO director general Dr Kamil Idris welcomed the adoption of the PLT and explained that once it entered into force, inventors would find the patent procedure more user-friendly as world standards unify.

Idris insisted: "Successful completion of the PLT is a major step in the broader process of reducing patent costs around the world. The next step is to work towards harmonisation of legal substance and eventually towards a single global standard of protection."

He promised that patent-related expenses would drop as intellectual property offices around the world will be able to share data on formalities and procedures.

Currently restrictions and formalities on inventors seeking a patent differ from country to country.

The treaty is open for signature by WIPO member states for another year - until 1 June, 2001.