Developments in International Patent Law Harmonization

It is well known that efforts to achieve worldwide harmonization of patent systems are not yet complete. Early work on building a complete system, however, started as early as the late 19th century, when the Paris Convention on the Protection of Industrial Property was concluded. Since that time, many steps towards a comprehensive harmonization of patent legislation have been taken on the national, regional and worldwide levels. The present contribution outlines these efforts and attempts to demonstrate that current developments are preparing the path for further harmonization of patent law in the future, whereby modern information technologies may play a decisive role. For the World Intellectual Property Organization, the main challenges consist in finalizing the Patent Law Treaty on patent formalities at a Diplomatic Conference in May and June of this year, and, subsequently, to endeavor to further harmonize patent laws as well as to study possible developments of the Patent Cooperation Treaty. In order to fully achieve these goals, it will be necessary that all circles involved concentrate their attention on further cost reductions and simplification of patent procedures in the interests of the users of the patent system worldwide.