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IP2Innovate welcomes the call by CDU/CSU to introduce a proportionality test in the German Patent Act to better protect innovators against patent trolls

In a recent press release the German Conservatives (CDU/CSU) Elisabeth Winkelmeier-Becker and Ingmar Jung express concerns over abusive litigation practices by patent trolls, which distort the market and undermine Germany’s attractiveness as a business location. They note that in light of the high complexity of modern products, companies can no longer completely rule out the possibility of patent infringements. In this context, an unlimited right to injunctive relief create unwarranted leverage for patent trolls who buy up patents only to assert them against companies and extract disproportionately high settlements. Solutions proposed by CDU/CSU are the introduction of a proportionality test in the German Patent Act as well as a synchronisation of infringement and nullity proceedings.

IP2Innovate has long advocated in favour of bringing more balance to the German patent system so that it supports innovation and economic growth. Statistical evidence as well as the experience of IP2Innovate members show that patent trolls are increasingly targeting Germany, depriving companies of significant financial resources that are no longer available for research, development and innovation. We welcome the political support for the reform of the German Patent Act to introduce a proportionality test on injunctive relief. Such a reform is necessary to support the development and marketing of complex, multi-functional high-tech products in Germany and across Europe’s single market.

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Other press releases

Patrick Oliver

Statement in response to publication of the European Commission’s IP Action Plan

IP2Innovate welcomes the European Commission’s efforts to improve the IP landscape in Europe, in particular the emphasis on ensuring that the proportionality requirement in the granting of injunctions is met. However, the IP Action Plan outlined today needs to go further to address continuing abuses of the patent system.
JUVE Patent blog

Patent law reform: Bundestag introduces principle of proportionality

After months of deliberation, the German Bundestag has finally decided on amendments to a new federal government patent law. It will introduce a proportionality test for the right to an injunction under patent law. The decision comes just a few months before Germany elects a new parliament, and a new government.
IP2Innovate

IP2I calls on European Commission to protect Europe’s patent system from abuse

A new academic study by economists at the universities of Bordeaux, Grenoble, and Universitat Pompeu Fabra (Barcelona) highlights how patent assertion entities (PAEs) are continuing to take advantage of weaknesses in Europe’s patent system. The study, entitled Patent Privateering, looks at one specific method of patent abuse. Patent privateering is a term to describe a situation where a patent owner hands patents to a patent assertion entity (PAE) to exploit for mutual benefit, allowing the patent owner to maintain a secret stake in the patents. The study concluded that patent privateering is widespread in Europe. The practise has been around for many years but as other jurisdictions including the US have made it harder, Europe’s patent system is a ripe target for abuse. This is largely because patent courts in Europe do not apply the principle of proportionality, and instead hand out injunctions to patent owners almost automatically.
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