European software patents

Over the past few decades, the patent laws in many countries have become increasingly alike. From time to time, treaties and conventions have “harmonized” the world´s patent laws, creating many fundamental similarities. For example, the patent term length, a “novelty” or “inventive step” requirement, and the recognition of another country´s earlier filing date are common provisions, but, just as in other legislative fields besides intellectual property, several noticeable differences still exist