European Patents Handbook; Chartered Institute of Patent Agents

No other publication comes close to the European Patent Handbook in providing such detailed and practical guidance on every aspect of the European patent procedure. Compiled by the Chartered Institute of Patent Agents, it gives the clearest possible explanation of how the system operates; the advantages and disadvantages of different types of application; the appropriate procedures; ways of conducting opposition proceedings; and handling appeal. Topics covered include the kinds of inventions which van be the subject of a European patent and who is entitled to apply. All aspects of professional representation before the EPO are dealt with in full and there is detailed coverage of the various proceedings relating to the filing of an application for a European patent. The handbook also describes how international applications under the Patent Co-operations Treaty are filed. In addition, the special procedures which need to be followed for biotechnical and microbiological inventions are considered in full.