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Handelsblatt
Super minister with execution issues: Lambrecht is running out of time on important projects

Shortly before the summer break, the CDU/CSU and SPD are aiming to finalise some unfinished coalition projects. One such project is reform of the German patent law.
IP2Innovate, which represents, among others, Adidas, BMW, Daimler, Deutsche Telekom and SAP, believes that effective modernization of German patent law is overdue, but possible. "Passing the law before the end of this legislative period is absolutely necessary to avert further damage to innovation, competitiveness and employment in Germany" - Ludwig von Reiche, IP2I Board Member, told Handelsblatt.
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IP2Innovate
IP2I welcomes the European Parliament's formal request, adopted today, calling on the Commission to investigate the practices of patent assertion entities in Europe.
Brussels, 11 November 2021 – The European Parliament has instructed the European Commission to investigate in-depth how PAEs, also known as non-practising entities, or more colloquially patent trolls, game the European patent system.
Patrick Oliver
Patent law reform strengthens Germany as a location for innovation; Europe needs to follow suit to enhance its competitiveness
Berlin, June 11th 2021 - The Bundestag today adopted legislation to modernise German patent law. The changes are an important step towards creating a better balance between patent protection and innovation protection. European patent law needs to follow Germany’s lead.
IP2Innovate
IP2Innovate's statement on the Commission's intention to withdraw the SEP Regulation
BRUSSELS, 12 February 2025 - IP2Innovate's statement on the Commission's intention to withdraw the SEP Regulation
IP2Innovate expresses deep concern over the European Commission's intention to withdraw the Standards Essential Patents (SEP) Regulation. This last-minute decision would represent a significant setback for Europe's innovation ecosystem, including for a large number of European SMEs, and sends a troubling signal to innovative businesses that rely on predictable and fair SEP licensing frameworks.
The Commission’s justification for withdrawing the proposal, citing the absence of a “foreseeable agreement,” is misleading. The European Parliament has adopted a negotiating position with an overwhelming majority. On the Council's side, several working group meetings have already been scheduled, including one for February 27, which would have allowed further discussion on this important issue.
The current patent system in Europe urgently needs modernisation to bolster the region's competitiveness and innovation capacity. The lack of transparency and fairness in SEP licensing, combined with the absence of the application of proportionality to patent infringement cases, continues to impede innovation and ultimately diminishes the benefits of interoperability for European consumers.
We strongly urge the Member States and European Parliament to reject this proposal for withdrawal and demonstrate their commitment to progressing this vital file.
Looking ahead, we call upon the Commission to modernise the existing patent framework that applies to both SEPs and non-SEPs alike. This should include targeted amendments to the IPR Enforcement Directive, particularly concerning remedies for patent infringements. Such reforms are essential to strengthen Europe's competitive position in the global innovation landscape.