Intellectual Property Unit: Patents

Consultation on the review of the research exemption ( ‘Bolar’) Provision

This consultation is intended to invite comments from interested parties on a proposal to broaden the scope of the “Bolar” type research exemption provision as set down in Section 42 (g) of the Patents Act, 1992.

The deadline for this consultation is the 14^th April 2012

[Please note the deadline for this consultation has been extended to Friday the 20^th April 2012]

▪ Summary of Responses to the Review of the research exemption ('Bolar') provision (PDF, 92KB)

▪ Request for submissions on the review of the Research (‘Bolar’) provision (PDF, 78KB)

Previous Consultations

Consultation on the Creation of a Unified Patent Litigation System

This consultation is intended to engage with interested parties on a proposal for the creation of a Unified Patent Litigation System. The aim of the proposal is to set up a common court between Member States as set out in the draft agreement on a unified patent court and draft statute (11533/11).

▪ Further information on Consultation on the Unified Patent Court

Consultation on the Proposals for Regulations Implementing Enhanced Cooperation for the Creation of Unitary Patent Protection

This consultation is intended to engage with interested parties, including patent applicants/proprietors and to those acting as agents, and to seek their views on the two proposals, which were released by the European Commission on 13th April 2011.

• Further information on consultation on the Proposals for Regulations Implementing Enhanced Cooperation.

Consultation on the Review of the Patents Act 1992

This consultation is engaging with interested parties, including patent applicants/proprietors and to those acting as agents, and seeking their views for inclusion in the review of the Patents Act 1992 (as amended).

• Further information on Consultation on the Review of the Patents Act 1992 including responses to the Consultation

Consultation on the enforcement of intellectual property rights

• Consultation on the Application of Directive 2004/48/EC of the European Parliament and the Council of 29 April 2004 on the enforcement of intellectual property rights

Consultation on fees charged for Supplementary Protection Certificates

The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation is conducting a review of the fees charged for Supplementary Protection Certificates. The consultation is intended to engage with interested parties to seek their views on the proposal to review the current application and renewal fees for Supplementary Protection Certificates. Responses should be received by close of business on Friday 30^th July 2010.

• Consultation on Supplementary Protection Certificate Fees