Legal Definitions - Convention for the European Patent for the Common Market

The Convention for the European Patent for the Common Market is an agreement that allows inventors to obtain a patent that is valid in multiple European countries. This means that instead of having to apply for a patent in each individual country, an inventor can apply for a single patent that covers all the countries that are part of the agreement.

For example, if an inventor wants to protect their invention in Germany, France, and Italy, they can apply for a European patent under this convention. Once the patent is granted, it will be valid in all three countries.

This convention is important because it simplifies the process of obtaining patent protection in Europe. It also helps to promote innovation by making it easier for inventors to protect their ideas across multiple countries.