Extension of European Patents to Serbia & Montenegro expected in November

On June 15, 2004, the Co-operation and Extension Agreement between Serbia & Montenegro and the European Patent Office was ratified by the Parliament of Serbia & Montenegro.

According to the Federal Intellectual Property Office of Serbia & Montenegro, the Agreement is expected to enter into force by the end of November 2004.

In line with the ratification and prior to the Agreement being enforced, Serbia & Montenegro Patent Law was also amended on July 2, 2004 with the goal to fully harmonize with EU legislation. The new Patent Law is scheduled to be enforced by the end of this month. It specifically addresses the enforcement of the Co-operation and Extension Agreement between Serbia & Montenegro and the European Patent Office.

Under the Co-operation and Extension Agreement, the European patents extended to Serbia & Montenegro will have the same effect as national patents granted in the territory of Serbia & Montenegro.

For more information on the extension of European Patents to Serbia & Montenegro, please contact us.