Patents Bill (HL)

This Bill amends and updates the Patents Act 1977 which governs the patents system in the UK.

The Bill contains provisions to bring the UK patents system into line with the revised European Patent Convention which was agreed by Diplomatic Conference in November 2000; and it introduces some measures designed to assist in the enforcement of patent rights and in the resolution of patent disputes between patent proprietors and third parties.

The clauses set out the major amendments to the 1977 Act, divided into international obligations and other obligations, and supplemental provisions.