Art012eTPEPC1973

Métadonnées

• Nom affiché : Art012eTPEPC1973
• Numéro d'article : 12
• Dossier / langue : English
• Tag langue : #English
• PDF original : /Articles/English/Articles 001-025/Article 012 (English version)/Art012eTPEPC1973.pdf

Comment:

The collection represents purely an internal research tool for the purpose of Directorate Patent Law of the European Patent Office. No guarantee can be given for its completeness or correctness. The documents produced before 1969 cannot be provided in English as this was not an official language in the period before that date. These documents therefore are provided in French and German.

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Art. 12 MPO Amtspflichten

Entwurf, der dem nebenstehenden Dokument zugrunde liegt	Art. Nr. im Entwurf/ Dokument	Dokument, in dem der Art. behandelt wird	Fundstelle im Dokument
Vorschl.d.Vors.	48	IV/215/62	S. 99,100
VE Mai 1962	38	6551/IV/62	S. 17
VE 1962	38	BR/7/69	Rdn. 62
VE 1971 (Ue)	38	BR/168/72	Rdn. 69

Dokumente der MDK

E 1972	12	M/32	S. 1
"	12	M/40	S. 2
"	12	M/47/I/II/III	S. 2
"	12	M/52/I/II/III	S. 1
"	12	M/53/I/II	S. 1
"	12	M/73/II	S. 1
"	12	M/90/II/R 3	S. 4
"	12	M/146/R 1	Art. 12
"	12	M/PR/II	S. 1297120177/172
"	12	M/PR/G	S. 207 197

REPORT

by Mr. Paul Braendli, Lic. iur. Vice-Director of the Federal Intellectual Property Office (Switzerland) on the results of Main Committee I's proceedings

REPORT

by Mr. R. Bowen Assistant Comptroller, British Patent Office on the results of Main Committee II's proceedings

REPORT

by Mr. Fressonnet Deputy Director of the Institut National de la Propriété Industrielle (France) on the results of Main Committee III's proceedings

REPORT

by Mr. A. Fernandez Mazarambroz Head of the Spanish Patent Office on the results of the Credentials Committee's proceedings with regard to full powers for signing the Convention

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72. The IFIA delegate made the point that even examiners with the European Patent Office should in certain cases be entitled to submit patent applications and acquire protection for their inventions. He therefore lent his support to the proposal made by the Swiss delegation in M/73/II. 73. The ICC representative noted the suggestion put forward during the discussion that the problem should be settled in the context of the Service Regulations for permanent employees of the European Patent Office and stated his dissatisfaction with this arrangement in so far as the matter in hand was of particular importance to private industry.

He therefore took the view that the matter should be settled in Article 12 itself. If an examiner were to file a patent application through the intermediary of a third party, he would thereby place himself in a situation which, if it were discovered, could give rise to doubt as regards the objectivity of his work on the part of the undertakings in the sector of activities in respect of which he filed the application. Nonetheless, it was true that in certain instances an across-the-board veto could bring about an unfair situation. It should therefore be possible to maintain paragraph 2 of the draft with such amendments as were necessary to cover such special cases without impairing the industry's trust in the integrity of the employees of the Office. 74. The Irish delegation concurred with the opinion of the ICC representative. The principle embodied in paragraph 2 should of course be supplemented by specific provisions governing exceptions, which could be written into the Service Regulations. 75. While acknowledging that the German delegation's proposal was attractive, the IAPIP representative felt that it should be approved as it would give rise to discrimination among employees of the Office. 76. The Swedish delegation was in favour of the Swiss delegation's proposal, if possible without the addition proposed by the German delegation. It was self-evident that the President of the Office would be particularly cautious when it came to granting a derogation in respect of the right to file patent applications to an examiner employed with his institution. It also felt that the dimension of the problem should not be exaggerated in that employees of the European Patent Office would not tend to avail themselves of the possibility open to them merely on account of their position. 77. The French delegation noted that the discussion had shown that problems would only arise in exceptional cases, that the rules as envisaged were not such as to prevent every single instance of fraud and finally that for the prohibition to be effective, it would have to be applicable not only to European but also to national patent applications. In view of the foregoing, the French delegation was prepared to accept the compromise proposal put forward by the Swiss delegation. 78. The UNICE representative expressed his preference for paragraph 2 of the original draft. The concept of the conflict of interests embodied in the Swiss proposal would inevitably give rise to problems of interpretation and should therefore be avoided. 79. The United Kingdom delegation pointed out that a balance had to be struck between the trust which it was desirable for private industry to place in the European Patent Office, and a measure of individual liberty on the part of employees of the office. From this point of view, the Swiss delegation's proposal did not afford entire satisfaction in that it invested the President of the Office with discretionary powers the implementation of which must needs give rise to difficulties with staff. The addition proposed by the German delegation could possibly be envisaged as a compromise solution.

However, the absolute veto should not be confined to examiners and should also be extended to members of the Boards of Appeal. 80. In conclusion to this discussion, the Italian and Yugoslav delegations endorsed the position adopted by the IIB representative that Article 12 should comprise a single paragraph stipulating that even after termination of their duties, EPO staff would be bound not to disclose or make use of information which, by its nature, was a professional secret. When adopting the text the Conference would express the opinion that detailed rules for the implementation of this Article should be incorporated in the Service Regulations for permanent employees of the European Patent Office. 81. The Committee adopted the proposal by a majority and referred the text to the Drafting Committee.

Article 13 - Disputes between the Organisation and the employees of the European Patent Office

82. The Committee examined the German delegation's proposal (M/11, point 2, and M/47/I/II/III, point 4) that the Administrative Tribunal of the International Labour Organisation be replaced by a separate tribunal within the European Patent Office. 83. In support of its proposal, the German delegation pointed to three factors: first the constantly increasing number of appeals lodged by international civil servants, second the distance separating Munich and the headquarters of the Administrative Tribunal of the International Labour Organisation and finally, the existence of such bodies in organisations such as the Council of Europe. 84. The IIB representative recalled that the IIB had conferred jurisdiction in disputes between it and its staff on the Administrative Tribunal of the International Labour Organisation and pointed out that the number of appeals which would reach this stage would certainly be very limited if they were preceded by an internal appeals procedure to be written into the Service Regulations. 85. The Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norwegian and Swiss delegations, together with the French delegation, concurred with the points put forward by the IIB representative. 86. In conclusion, the Committee noted that the German delegation's proposal was not supported by any other delegation. It confirmed its agreement to the content of Article 13 as set out in the original draft, on the understanding that the Service Regulations for permanent employees of the European Patent Office would incorporate provisions setting up an internal appeals body for such disputes prior to the matter being brought before the Administrative Tribunal of the International Labour Organisation. 87. The Committee referred Article 13 to the Drafting Committee with instructions to examine at the same time the drafting proposals submitted by the Luxembourg delegation in M/9.

Article 15 - The departments charged with the procedure

88. In this connection see the discussions on Article 22a (20).

Article 16 - Receiving Section

89. The Committee examined the Belgian delegation's proposal contained in M/33, point 2, and the UNICE proposal along similar lines as given in M/19, point 1, which specified the date up to which the Receiving Section would remain responsible for the application, particularly where a request for examination was made before the search report had been

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place of the President in accordance with the procedure laid down by the Administrative Council. 47. The Austrian, French, German, Luxembourg, Netherlands and Swiss delegations endorsed the proposal by the Belgian delegation 48. While not opposed to the Belgian delegation's proposal, the United Kingdom delegation considered that it was superfluous to incorporate in the Convention an explicit obligation upon the Administrative Council to lay down a procedure to cover this case. 49. In conclusion the Committee signified its agreement to the Belgian delegation's proposal. 50. As regards the proposal by the Swedish delegation in M/53/1/II, point 1, see point 106 below with reference to Article 21.

(a) Paragraph 3

51. COPRICE submitted its proposal in M/16, point 4 in favour of the deletion of the phrase "on the proposal of the President of the European Patent Office". It took the view that as the Board members, and in particular the members of the Enlarged Board of Appeal, had to be completely independent, it would be preferable to remove from the President of the European Patent Office any powers of initiative in their appointment procedure. 52. The COPRICE proposal failed to gain the support of any of the Government delegations and was therefore not considered by the Committee.

(b) Paragraph 4

53. The Swedish delegation proposed that the Convention lay down the disciplinary measures to be taken by the Administrative Council. 54. The German and Netherlands delegations were of the opinion that such measures would be consigned to the Service Regulations for permanent employees of the European Patent Office. The Netherlands delegation wondered whether paragraph 4 should not be confined to the President and Vice-Presidents of the office, since Article 21 (23), paragraph 1 already made provision for removal from office (see points 105 and 106 below). 55. In view of the arguments set out above the Swedish delegation retracted its proposal. 56. As regards the restriction proposed by the Netherlands delegation, the Committee did not feel that it should adopt it on the grounds that the provision embodied in Article 21 (23), paragraph 1, constituted a special rule which should not prevent recourse to normal disciplinary proceedings in other instances.

Article 12 - Duties of office

57. The Committee referred to the Drafting Committee the United Kingdom delegation's proposal contained in M/40, point 7 . 58. The Committee examined the two proposals submitted by the Netherlands delegation in M/52/1/II/III, point 1, and by the Swedish delegation in M/53/I/II, point 2. 59. The Swedish delegation proposed that employees of the Office be entitled to file patent applications on their own behalf subject to the permission of the President of the office. It pointed out that this arrangement functioned satisfactorily in Sweden and went on to state that it was prepared to extend the scope of this provision to drawings and utility models as proposed by the German delegation in M/47/1/II/III, point 3. Finally, the Swedish delegation stated that it was willing to agree to any applications filed without the President's permission being considered invalid. 60. The Danish, Finnish, French and Portuguese delegations supported the Swedish delegation's proposal. 61. The Italian delegation would prefer paragraph 2 to be deleted as it placed restrictions upon the freedom to file applications and created discrimination among employees of the Office. However, it was prepared to accede to the Swedish delegation's proposal. 62. While sharing in principle the views put forward by the Italian delegation, the Norwegian delegation felt that the prohibition could be restricted to examiner staff. 63. The CEIF, CNIPA, EIRMA, FEMIPI, FICPI, IAPIP and UNEPA delegations were opposed to the proposal by the Swedish delegation. 64. The German, Netherlands and United Kingdom delegations were opposed to the Swedish delegation's proposal on the grounds that the President would be subjected to pressure to grant authorisation and that the practice of Office employees engaging in the filing of applications would produce an unfavourable effect upon the public. The three delegations were therefore in favour of the substance of the Netherlands delegation's proposal as set out in M/52/I/II/III, point 1 . 65. The UNEPA delegation endorsed the viewpoint of these three delegations. 66. The Swiss delegation submitted a compromise proposal (M/73/II) providing that the President of the European Patent Office could grant exceptions from the prohibition on making use of information in the nature of a professional secret where there was no conflict of interests. 67. The German delegation could agree to the proposal provided that it were amended along the lines of the Norwegian delegation's proposal, with exceptions from the prohibition being granted only to non-examining staff. 68. The IIB representative suggested that this problem could be resolved within the context of the Service Regulations for permanent employees of the future European Patent Office. So far as Article 12 was concerned, paragraph 2 should be deleted and only the principles embodied in paragraph 1 maintained while extending to actual use the prohibition on the disclosure of information in the nature of a professional secret. The proposal was based upon a similar provision in the IIB Staff Regulations. 69. The Netherlands delegation strongly urged that Article 12 be so framed as to inspire the public with the greatest degree of confidence. Accordingly, it wished to be appraised of the opinion of the interested circles on the Swiss delegation's proposal. 70. The UNEPA representative emphasised that the confidence placed in patent office employees was an extremely important matter and that it would therefore prefer Article 12, paragraph 2, to be retained as it originally stood. In the event of this solution not being adopted, it favoured the proposed amendment put forward by the Swiss delegation as supplemented by the German delegation. 71. The Austrian delegation pointed out that if very specific provisions were not adopted with regard to the filing of patent applications by the employees of the future European Patent Office, it would be practically impossible to prevent such practices being carried on through the intermediary of third parties. It considered that the proposal put forward by the IIB representative constituted the most effective means of combating any attempts at circumventing the prohibition.

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Introduction ..... 7 Report on the meeting of the Plenary ..... 9 Opening Meeting (M/PR/K/1) Minutes of the proceedings of the Credentials Committee ..... 25 (M/PR/V) Minutes of the proceedings of Main Committee I ..... 27 (M/PR/I) Minutes of the proceedings of Main Committee II ..... 109 (M/PR/II) Minutes of the proceedings of Main Committee III ..... 155 (M/PR/III) Minutes of the proceedings of the Committee of the Whole ..... 163 (M/PR/G) Report on the meeting of the Plenary ..... 199 Final Meeting (M/PR/K/2) List of participants ..... 211

MUNICH DIPLOMATIC CONFERENCE

FOR THE SETTING

UP OF A EUROPEAN SYSTEM

FOR THE GRANT OF PATENTS (Munich, 10 September to 5 October, 1973)

Duties of office

The emnlcyees of the European Patent Office shall be hound, even after the termination of their employment, neither to disclose nor to make use of information which by its nature is a professional secret.

CONVENTION

ESTABLISHING A EUROPEAN SYSTEM FOR THE GRANT OF PATENTS (EUROPEAN PATENT CONVENTION)

PROJET DE CONVENTION INSTITUANT UN SYSTÈME EUROPÉEN DE DÉLIVRANCE DE BREVETS

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MUNICH DIPLOMATIC CONFERENCE

FOR THE SETTING UP OF A EUROPEAN SYSTEM FOR THE GRANT OF PATENTS

- 1973 -

Munich, 30 September 1973

M/ 146/R 1

Original: English/French/German

CONFERENCE DOCUMENT

Drawn up by: General Drafting Committee

Subject: Convention: Articles 1 to 26

Page 11

Article 12 (1)

Duties of Office

The emnlcrees of the European Patent Office shall be bound, even after the termination of their employment, neither to disclose nor to make use of information which by its nature is a professional secret. (1) Paragraph 2 has been deleted M / 90 / II / R 3 aeb

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MUNICH DIPLOMATIC CONFERENCE FOR THE SETTING UP OF A EUROPEAN SYSTEM FOR THE GRANT OF PATENTS

- 1973 -

Munich, 17 September 1973

M/90/II/R 3

Original: German/English/French

TEXTS DRAWN UP BY

THE DRAFTING COMMITTEE OF MAIN COMMITTEE II

AT THE MEETING ON 15 SEPTEMBER 1973

Articles of the Convention: Article 9 10 11 12 17 18 21

Implementing Regulations: Rule 8

Protocol on Privileges and Immunities of the European Patent Organisation: Article 6 10

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MUNICH DIPLOMATIC CONFERENCE

FOR THE SETTING UP OF A EUROPEAN SYSTEM FOR THE GRANT OF PATENTS

- 1973 -

Munich, 12 September 1973

M/73/II

Original: English/French/German

CONFERENCE DOCUMENT

Dream up by: Swiss delegation

Subject: Article 12, paragraph 2, of the Convention

(2) The President of the EFO may grant exceptions from this prohibition where it is obvious that there is no danger of a conflict of interests.

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Swedish proposals for amending Articles 11, 12, 23, 31, 67, 94, 128, 134 and 138 in the Draft European Patent Convention and Rule 85 in the Implementing Regulations.

Article 11

1. The Swedish delegation is of the opinion that it should be made clear in paragraph 4, which disciplinary actions are to be exercised by the AC. This could be done by mentioning in paragraph 4 the disciplinary actions enumerated in Article 53 of the Draft service regulations. However some of these actions seemz not to be executable against the members of the Boards of Appeal in view of Article 21, which prescribes that members of the Boards of Appeal are not removable during a five years period. A certain harmonization between Article 11 and Article 21 therefore appears to be necessary. Recognizing the proposals from the Luxembourg and the UK delegations for amending Article 21 and the fact that the decision with regard to Article 21 will influence also Article 11 the Swedish proposal should be treated subsequently.

Article 12

2. Paragraph 2 of this article, prohibiting employees of the EPO to file patent applications, seems to be too restrictive. The Swedish patent law has a more flexible provision. According to experiences at the Swedish Patent Office there are no disadvantages with the Swedish practise. We therefore propose paragraph 2 be worded as follows. (2) The employees of the EPO may file patent applications subject to the permission of the President.

Article 23

3. In accordance with Article 23 the EPO has the obligation to give a technical opinion in matters of infringement or revocation action before a court, the Examining Division being responsible for the issuance of such opinions.

The draft in this respect is probably based on the view that the opinions will be of a purely technical character. However, it seems clear that the opinions, even if their contents are essentially of a technical nature, will have direct and far-reaching effects on the legal situation with regard to ensuing disputes. It would therefore seem advisable to make the Boards of Appeal which are the most competent instances and include qualified expertise on patent law and on judging patentability issue the opinions. A similar arrangement has for a long time been practised by the Swedish Patent Office with good results.

The Swedish Delegation therefore proposes that technical opinions of the EPO to national courts in infringement or revocation cases

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MUNICH DIPLOMATIC CONFERENCE

FOR THE SETTING UP OF A EUROPEAN SYSTEM FOR THE GRANT OF PATENTS

- 1973 -

Munich, 10 September 1973

M/53/I/II

Original: English

CONFERENCE DOCUMENT

Drawn up by: Swedish delegation

Subject: Proposals for amendments to the draft texts

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1. Proposal of the Netherlands Delegation to Article 12, paragraph 2

Article 12, paragraph 2 should be amended to read:

"(2) The employees of the European Patent Office may not, during their employment, file applications for patents, either directly or through an intermediary, irrespective as to whether it is a European application or a national application. [Applications filed contrary to this paragraph and rights granted on such applications shall be deemed null and void ab initio.] This paragraph applies also to [applications for] any other kind of protection on inventions, such as utility models, utility certificates and inventors certificates."

M/52/I/II/III

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MUNICH DIPLOMATIC CONFERENCE

FOR THE SETTING UP OF A EUROPEAN SYSTEM FOR THE GRANT OF PATENTS

- 1973 -

Munich, 10 September 1973

M/ 52/I/II/III

Original: English

CONFERENCE DOCUMENT

Drawn up by: Netherlands delegation

Subject: Proposals for amendments to the draft texts

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3. Article 12 "(2) .... file applications for patents, utility models, utility certificates or inventors' certificates either directly or through an intermediary." 4. Article 13

Text for the proposal by the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany in M/11, No. 2, on the basis of Article 39 of the First Preliminary Draft: "An Appeals Committee whose composition and procedure shall be laid down in a special statute shall adjudicate in any dispute between the European Patent Organisation and the employees of the European Patent Office or other persons entitled to rights within the limits and subject to the conditions laid down in the Service Regulations for permanent employees or the Pension Scheme Regulations or arising from the conditions of employment of other employees." 5. Article 14 see points 29 (Rule 52) and 32 (Rule 85) 6. Article 15 " ..... (f) a Legal Division."

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MUNICH DIPLOMATIC CONFERENCE

FOR THE SETTING UP OF A EUROPEAN SYSTEM FOR THE GRANT OF PATENTS

- 1973 -

Munich, 10 September 1973

M/47/I/II/III

Original: German

CONFERENCE DOCUMENT

Drawn up by: The delegation of the Federal Republic of Germany

Subject: Proposals for amendments to the draft texts

M/47/I/II/III

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5. Article 9 In paragraph (4)(b) "court" should be amended to "courts". 6. Article 10 In paragraph (2)(b) "performed before" should be amended to read "carried out at". 7. Article 12 Paragraph 1 should be amended as follows to be fully consistent with Article 214 of the Home Treaty: "(1) The employees of the European Patent Office shall be required, even after their duties have ceased, not to disclose information of the kind covered by the obligation of professional secrecy". 8. Article 21 Paragraph 4 is ambiguous and should be amended to read: "(4) The Rules of Procedure of the Boards of Appeal and of the Enlarged Beurd of Appeal shall be adopted in accordance with the provisions of the Implementing Regulations. They shall be subject to the approval of the Administrative Council". 9. Article 25 In the second sentence of paragraph 2 "It" should be amended to read "The term of office". 10. Article 31 In paragraph 1(a), "a single" should be amended to read "one". 11. Article 35 Paragraphs (b) and (c) should be amended to rea: "....made by the Contracting States....". 12. Article 38 In the first sentence, paragraph 7, "....at a rate the same...." should be amended to read "....at a rate which shall be the same....". 13. Article 61 Since there is nothing similar to a state of war,"similar emergency conditions" should be amended to read "other serious emergency situation".

MUNICH DIPLOMATIC CONFERENCE

FOR THE SETTING UP OF A EUROPEAN SYSTEM FOR THE GRANT OF PATENTS

- 1973 -

Brussels, 13 August 1973 M / 40 Original: English

Drawn up by: The United Kingdom Government

Subject: Proposed amendments concerning the Draft Convention, the Draft Implementing Regulations, the Draft Protocol on Recognition and the Draft Protocol on Privileges and Immunities

Observations and Proposed Amendments submitted by the Netherlands.

The Netherlands submit the following observations and proposed amendments on the draft convention (document M / 1 ) and the draft implementing regulations (document M / 2 ) for consideration by the Diplomatic Conference.

1. Article 12, par. 2: 1.1 Is the interdiction expressed in this paragraph restricted to the filing of European patent applications? 1.2 If not, should this paragraph than not be extended to applications for other kinds of protection on inventions, such as utility models, utility certificates, inventors' certificates? 1.3. If an employee of the European Patent Office files contrary to this paragraph - a European patent application, this could lead to disciplinary measures. Would it also be a ground for refusal or revocation? 2. Article 14, par. 2: 2.1 In the first line of the English text the term "place of business" should read as "seat". The same amendment should be made in Rule 26, par. 2c, Rule 56(a), Rule 79, par. 2 and Rule 93, par. 1 f. 2.2 What is the meaning of "ordinary residence" in the second line of the English text? At other places, e.g. Rule 26 (2)(c), the term "residence" is used. 3. Article 14, par. 7:

Apparently the translation of the claims to be included in the specification of European patents will have to be made by the

MUNICH DIPLOMATIC CONFERENCE

FOR THE SETTING UP OF A EUROPEAN SYSTEM FOR THE GRANT OF PATENTS

- 1973 -

Brussels, 1 June 1973 M / 32 Original: English

Drawn up by: Netherlands Government

Subject: Observations and proposed amendments concerning the Draft Convention and the Draft Implementing Regulations

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h) er übt die Disziplinargewalt über die nicht in Artikel 11 genannten Bediensteten aus und kann dem Verwaltungsrat Disziplinarmaßnahmen gegenüber den in Artikel 11 Absätze 2 und 3 genannten Bediensteten vorschlagen; i) er kann seine Befugnisse übertragen. (3) Der Präsident wird von mehreren Vizepräsidenten unterstützt. Er wird bei Abwesenheit von einem der Vizepräsidenten vertreten, der vom Verwaltungsrat bestimmt wird.

Vgl. Regel 12 (Verwaltungsmäßige Gliederung des Europäischen Patentamts)

Artikel 11

Ernennung hoher Beamter (1) Der Präsident des Europäischen Patentamts wird vom Verwaltungsrat ernannt. (2) Die Vizepräsidenten werden nach Anhörung des Präsidenten vom Verwaltungsrat ernannt. (3) Die Mitglieder der Beschwerdekammern und der Großen Beschwerdekammer einschließlich der Vorsitzenden werden auf Vorschlag des Präsidenten des Europäischen Patentamts vom Verwaltungsrat ernannt. Sie können vom Verwaltungsrat nach Anhörung des Präsidenten des Europäischen Patentamts wiederernannt werden. (4) Der Verwaltungsrat übt die Disziplinargewalt über die in den Absätzen 1 bis 3 genannten Bediensteten aus.

Artikel 12

Amtspflichten (1) Die Bediensteten des Europäischen Patentamts sind verpflichtet, auch nach Beendigung ihrer Amtstätigkeit Kenntnisse, die ihrem Wesen nach unter das Berufsgeheimnis fallen, nicht preiszugeben. (2) Die Bediensteten des Europäischen Patentamts dürfen während der Dauer ihres Dienstverhältnisses weder selbst noch durch einen Mittelsmann Patentanmeldungen einreichen.

Artikel 13

Streitsachen zwischen der Organisation und den Bediensteten des Europäischen Patentamts (1) Das Verwaltungsgericht der Internationalen Arbeitsorganisation ist für alle Streitsachen zwischen der Europäischen Patentorganisation und den Bediensteten des Europäischen Patentamts oder sonstigen berechtigten Personen innerhalb der Grenzen und nach Maßgabe der Bedingungen zuständig, die im Statut der Beamten oder in der Versorgungsordnung festgelegt sind oder sich aus den Beschäftigungsbedingungen für die sonstigen Bediensteten ergeben. (h) he shall exercise disciplinary authority over the employees other than those referred to in Article 11, and may propose disciplinary action to the Administrative Council with regard to employees referred to in Article 11, paragraphs 2 and 3; (i) he may delegate his functions. (3) The President shall be assisted by a number of Vice-Presidents. In his absence, one of the VicePresidents to be designated by the Administrative Council shall take his place.

Article 11

Appointment of senior employees (1) The President of the European Patent Office shall be appointed by decision of the Administrative Council. (2) The Vice-Presidents shall be appointed by decision of the Administrative Council after the President has been consulted. (3) The members, including the Chairmen, of the Boards of Appeal and of the Enlarged Board of Appeal shall be appointed by decision of the Administrative Council, taken on the proposal of the President of the European Patent Office. They may be re-appointed by decision of the Administrative Council after the President of the European Patent Office has been consulted. (4) The Administrative Council shall exercise disciplinary authority over the employees referred to in paragraphs 1 to 3.

Article 12

Duties of office (1) The employees of the European Patent Office shall be bound, even after the termination of their employment, not to disclose information which by its nature is a professional secret. (2) The employees of the European Patent Office may not, during their employment, file applications for patents either directly or through an intermediary.

Article 13

Disputes between the Organisation and the employees of the European Patent Office (1) The Administrative Tribunal of the International Labour Organisation shall adjudicate in any dispute between the European Patent Organisation and the employees of the European Patent Office or other persons entitled to rights within the limits and subject to the conditions laid down in the Service Regulations for permanent employees or the Pension Scheme Regulations or arising from the conditions of employment of other employees.

PROJET DE CONVENTION

INSTITUANT UN SYSTÈME EUROPÉEN DE DÉLIVRANCE DE BREVETS

ÜBER DIE EINFÜHRUNG EINES EUROPÄISCHEN PATENTERTEILUNGSVERFAHRENS 1973

(München, 10. September bis 6. Oktober 1973)

MUNICH DIPLOMATIC CONFERENCE

FOR THE SETTING UP OF A EUROPEAN SYSTEM FOR THE GRANT OF PATENTS, 1973 (Munich, 10 September to 6 October 1973)

CONFERENCE DIPLOMATIQUE DE MUNICH

POUR L'INSTITUTION D'UN SYSTÈME EUROPÉEN DE DÉLIVRANCE DE BREVETS (1973) (Munich, 10 septembre - 6 octobre 1973)

VORBEREITENDE DOKUMENTE

ausgearbeitet von der Regierungskonferenz über die Einführung eines europäischen Patenterteilungsverfahrens herausgegeben von der Regierung der Bundesrepublik Deutschland

PREPARATORY DOCUMENTS

drawn up by the Inter-Governmental Conference for the setting up of a European System for the Grant of Patents and published by the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany

DOCUMENTS PRÉPARATOIRES

élaborés par la Conférence intergouvernementale pour l'institution d'un système européen de délivrance de brevets et publiés par le Gouvernement de la République fédérale d'Allemagne

Page 27

66. Concerning paragraph 1(b), the Conference did not adopt the suggestion made by certain organisations to the effect that the time limit for opposition should not be one of those which could be altered by the Administrative Council, acting by a qualified majority. As for the fear that this provision might be interpreted as enabling the Administrative Council to alter the priority period of 12 months referred to in Article 73, paragraph 1, the Conference considered this to be groundless. This priority period was, after all, laid down in the Paris Convention and the present Convention would constitute a special arrangement within the meaning of that Convention. This in turn ruled out any possibility of the Administrative Council altering the period in question.

Article 35n (Voting rules) 67. Cf. relevant observations on Article 35a under point 65 above.

Article 36 (Administration) 68. The Conference instructed the Drafting Committee to work out a form of words for paragraph 2 specifying that the powers of the President of the European Patent Office were to be exercised in accordance with the full body of provisions in force and in particular in the case of subparagraph (f), in accordance with the regulations referred to in Article 38, paragraph 3.

Article 38 (Duties of office) 69. The Conference accepted the amendment to the English text of paragraph 2 as drawn up by the Drafting Committee ( BB / 160 / 72 ) .

Page 28

INTER-GOVERNMENTAL CONFERENCE FOR THE SETTING UP OF A EUROPEAN SYSTEM FOR THE GRANT OF PATENTS

Brussels, 15 March 1972 BR / 168 / 72

- Secretariat -

M I N U T E S

of the 5th Meeting of the Inter-Governmental Conference for the Setting up of a European System for the Grant of Patents

Parts 1 and 3

(Luxembourg, 24-25 January and 2-4 February 1972)

Ernennung hoher Beamter

(1) Der Präsident des Europäischen Patentamts wird vom Verwaltungsrat ernannt. (2) Die Vizepräsidenten werden nach Anhörung des Präsidenten vom Verwaltungsrat ernannt. (3) Die Mitglieder der Beschwerdekammern und der Großen Beschwerdekammer werden auf Vorschlag des Präsidenten vom Verwaltungsrat ernannt.

Amtspflichten

(1) Die Beamten und sonstigen Bediensteten des Europäischen Patentamts sind verpflichtet, auch nach Beendigung ihrer Amtstätigkeit Kenntnisse, die ihrem Wesen nach unter das Berufsgeheimnis fallen, nicht preiszugeben. (2) Die Beamten und sonstigen Bediensteten des Europäischen Patentamts dürfen während der Dauer ihres Dienstverhältnisses weder selbst noch durch einen Mittelsmann Patentanmeldungen einreichen. (3) Der Verwaltungsrat erläßt das Statut der Beamten sowie die Beschäftigungsbedingungen für die sonstigen Bediensteten des Europäischen Patentamts.

Artikel 39

Streitsachen zwischen dem Europäischen Patentamt und seinen Bediensteten (1) Das Verwaltungsgericht der Internationalen Arbeitsorganisation ist für alle Streitsachen zwischen dem Europäischen Patentamt und dessen Bediensteten innerhalb der Grenzen und nach Maßgabe der Bedingungen zuständig, die im Statut der Beamten festgelegt sind oder sich aus den Beschäftigungsbedingungen für die sonstigen Bediensteten ergeben. (2) Beschwerde wird gemäß der Satzung des Gerichts eingelegt und ist nur zulässig, wenn die angefochtene Entscheidung endgültig ist und der Betreffende alle anderen Beschwerdemöglichkeiten ausgeschöpft hat, die ihm das Statut der Beamten eröffnet.

Haftung

(1) Die vertragliche Haftung des Europäischen Patentamts bestimmt sich nach dem Recht, das auf den betreffenden Vertrag anzuwenden ist. (2) Im Bereich der außervertraglichen Haftung ersetzt das Europäische Patentamt den durch seine Bediensteten in Ausübung ihrer Amtstätigkeit verursachten Schaden nach dem Recht des Staats, in dem das Europäische Patentamt seinen Sitz hat. Ist der Schaden durch Bedienstete verursacht worden, die einer in Artikel 33 Absatz 2 vorgesehenen Dienststelle angehören, so ist das Recht des Vertragsstaats anzuwenden, in dem sich diese Dienststelle befindet.

Appointment of senior officials

(1) The President of the European Patent Office shall be appointed by decision of the Administrative Council. (2) The Vice-Presidents shall be appointed by decision of the Administrative Council after the President has been consulted. (3) The Members of the Boards of Appeal and of the Enlarged Board of Appeal shall be appointed by the decision of the Administrative Council, taken on the proposal of the President.

Duties of office

(1) The officials and other employees of the European Patent Office shall be bound, even after the termination of their employment, not to disclose information which by its nature is a professional secret. (2) The officials or other employees of the European Patent Office may not, in the course of their employment, file applications for patents either directly or through an intermediary. (3) The Administrative Council shall adopt the Service Regulations for officials and the conditions of employment of other employees of the European Patent Office.

Article 39

Disputes between the European Patent Office and its staff (1) The Administrative Tribunal of the International Labour Organisation shall adjudicate in any dispute between the European Patent Office and its employees within the limits and subject to the conditions laid down in the Service Regulations for officials or arising from the conditions of employment of other employees. (2) An appeal shall be made in accordance with the Statute of the Tribunal and shall not be receivable by the Tribunal unless the decision contested is a final decision and the person concerned has exhausted such other means of resisting it as are open to him under the Service Regulations.

Liability

(1) The contractual liability of the European Patent Office shall be governed by the law applicable to the relevant contract. (2) In the matter of non-contractual liability, the European Patent Office shall be bound to make good any damage caused by its employees in the performance of their duties in accordance with the provisions of the law of the State in which the European Patent Office is located. If the damage is caused by employees attached to a branch referred to in Article 33, paragraph 2, the provisions of the law of the Contracting State in which such branch is located shall apply.

ZWEITER VORENTWURF EINES ÜBEREINKOMMENS ÜBER EIN EUROPÄISCHES PATENTERTEILUNGSVERFAHREN

SECOND PRELIMINARY DRAFT OF A CONVENTION ESTABLISHING A EUROPEAN SYSTEM FOR THE GRANT OF PATENTS

SECOND AVANT-PROJET DE CONVENTION INSTITUANT UN SYSTÈME EUROPÉEN DE DÉLIVRANCE DE BREVETS

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REGIERUNGSKONFERENZ ÜBER DIE EINFÜHRUNG EINES EUROPÄISCHEN PATENTERTEILUNGSVERFAHREN INTER-GOVERNMENTAL CONFERENCE FOR THE SETTING UP OF A EUROPEAN SYSTEM FOR THE GRANT OF PATENTS CONFERENCE INTERGOUVERNEMENTALE POUR L'INSTITUTION D'UN SYSTEME EUROPEEN DE DELIVRANCE DE BREVETS

ZWEITER VORENTWURF EINES ÜBEREINKOMMENS ÜBER EIN EUROPÄISCHES PATENTERTEILUNGSVERFAHREN

sowie ERSTER VORENTWURF EINER AUSFÜHRUNGSORDNUNG ZUM ÜBEREINKOMMEN ÜBER EIN EUROPÄISCHES PATENTERTEILUNGSVERFAHREN und ERSTER VORENTWURF EINER GEBÜHRENORDNUNG

SECOND PRELIMINARY DRAFT OF A CONVENTION ESTABLISHING A EUROPEAN SYSTEM FOR THE GRANT OF PATENTS

FIRST PRELIMINARY DRAFT OF THE IMPLEMENTING REGULATIONS TO THE CONVENTION ESTABLISHING A EUROPEAN SYSTEM FOR THE GRANT OF PATENTS and FIRST PRELIMINARY DRAFT OF THE RULES RELATING TO FEES

SECOND AVANT-PROJET DE CONVENTION INSTITUANT UN SYSTÈME EUROPÉEN DE DÉLIVRANCE DE BREVETS ainsi que PREMIER AVANT-PROJET DE RÈGLEMENT D'EXÉCUTION DE LA CONVENTION INSTITUANT UN SYSTÈME EUROPÉEN DE DÉLIVRANCE DE BREVETS. et PREMIER AVANT-PROJET DE RÈGLEMENT RELATIF AUX TAXES

Page 32

necessary to ensure that in this case the protection takes effect in the State in question on the same date as in the other Contracting States.

The Swedish delegation asked permission to examine, with the interested circles in its country, the question of the publication of the Official Journal as provided for in the new paragraph 6.c).

Article 35 - Privileges and immunities 59. The Working Party adopted a wording similar to the provisions of Article 218 of the Treaty of Rome.

In addition, it was suggested that the studies undertaken on this subject within the Council of Europe should be taken into account in crafting the Protocol on the privileges and immunities.

Article 36 - Administration 60. The Working Party noted that the provisions of the present Article, in particular those of its paragraph 2.b) can be reviewed in the light of the subsequent provisions to be laid down for the Administrative Council.

Article 37 - Appointment of senior officials 61. The question was raised of whether it would not be desirable to lay down the term for which the President of the Patent Office is appointed. The Working Party agreed that this question should not be settled by the Convention. but, if necessary, in the Service Regulations.

Article 38 - Duties of Office 62. It was noted that the expression "through an intermediary" included in paragraph 2 also covered the spouse and near family of officials and other employees of the European Patent Office.

M I N U T E S

of the meeting of Working Party I (Luxembourg, 8 - 11 July 1969)

I

1. The first working meeting of Working Party I, set up by the Conference, was held at Luxembourg from Tuesday 8 to Friday 11 July 1969.

In accordance with the decision taken by the Working Party at its inaugural meeting held at Brussels on 21 May 1969, the Chair was taken by Dr. HAERTEL, President of the German Patent Office.

In addition to the Commission of the European Communities, the following inter-governmental organisations, which had been invited to take part in the work of the Working Party, were represented: BIRPI, the General Secretariat of the Council of Europe and the International Patent Institute (1). (1) See annexed list of participants in the meeting of the Working Party.

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(1) Les fonctionnaires et autres agents de l'Office européen des brevets sont tenus, même après la cessation de leurs fonctions, de ne pas divulguer les informations qui par leur nature sont couveries par le secret professionnel. (2) Les fonctionnaires et autres agents de l'Office européen des brevets ne peuvent durant l'exercice de leurs fonctions déposer des demandes de brevet directement ou par personne interposée. (3) Le [Conseil d'administration] arrête le statut des fonctionnaires et le régime applicable aux autres agents de l'Office européen des brevets.

Article 39 Compétence en cas de litiges entre l'Office européen des brevets et ses agents [Une Cour internationale] est compétente pour statuer sur tout litige entre l'Office européen des brevets et ses agents dans les limites et conditions déterminées au statut des fonctionnaires ou résultant du régime applicable aux autres agents.

Article 40 Responsabilité (1) La responsabilité contractuelle de l'Office européen des brevets est régie par la loi applicable au contrat en cause. (2) En matière de responsabilité non contractuelle, l'Office européen des brevets doit réparer, conformément aux principes généraux communs aux droits des Etats membres, les dommages causés par ses agents dans l'exercice de leurs fonctions. (3) La responsabilité personnelle des agents envers l'Office européen des brevets est réglée dans les dispositions fixant leur statut ou le régime qui leur est applicable. (4) [Une Cour internationale] est compétente pour connaître des litiges relatifs à la réparation des dommages visés au paragraphe 2.

Article 41 Controle de la légalité des actes du [Conseil d'administration] et du président de l'Office européen des brevets (1) A l'effet de contrôler la légalité des actes du [Conseil d'administration] et du président de l'Office européen des brevets, [la Cour européenne des brevets] est compétente pour ne prononcer sur les recours pour incompétence, violation de formes substan-

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COMITE DE COORDINATION EN MATIERE DE PROPRIETE INDUSTRIELLE INSTITUE PAR LES ETATS MEMBRES ET LA COMMISSION DE LA COMMUNAUTE ECONOMIQUE EUROPEENNE

Km:DONIERUNGSAUSSCHUSSAUF DEM GEBIET ∵ EWERBLICHEN RECHTSSCHUTZES EINST VON DEN MITGLIEDSTAATEN UND COMIISSON DER EUROPÄISCHEN WIRTSCHAFTSGEMEINSCHAFT

COMITATO DI COORDINAMENTO IN MATERIA DI PROPRIETA INDUSTRIALE ISTITUITO DAGLI STATI MEMBRI E DALLA COMMISSIONE DELLA COMUNITA ECONOMICA EUROPEA

COORDINATIE-COMITE OP HET GEBIED VAN DE INDUSTRIELE EIGENDOM INGESTELD DOOR DE LID-STATEN EN DE COMMISBIE VAN DE EUROPESE ECONOMISCHE GEMEENSCHAP

Textes allemand et français Deutscher und französischer Text

AVANT-PROJET DE CONVENTION

relatif à un droit européen des brevets élaboré par le groupe de travail «brevets»

VORENTWURF EINES ABKOMMENS über ein europäisches Patentrecht ausgearbeitet von der Arbeitsgruppe „Patente"

SCHEMA DI CONVENZIONE

sul diritto europeo dei brevetti predisposto dal Gruppo di lavoro «brevetti»

VOORONTWERP VERDRAG

betreffende een Europees octrooirecht opgesteld door de werkgroep. "octrooien"

VE 1962

Page 36

(2) The officials or other employees of the European Patent Office may not, in the course of their employment, file applications for patents either directly or through an intermediary. (3) The [Administrative Council] shall fix the regulations for officials and the conditions of service for other employees of the European Patent Office.

Article 39. Jurisdiction in case of disputes between the European Patent Office and its officers [An international court] shall have jurisdiction in any litigation between the European Patent Office and its officers within the limits and subject to the conditions laid down in the regulations for officials or arising from the conditions of service of other employees.

Article 40. Liability

(1) The contractual liability of the European Patent Office shall be governed by the law applicable to the relevant contract. (2) In the matter of non-contractual liability, the European Patent Office shall be bound, in conformity with the general principles common to the laws of Contracting States to make good any damage caused by its employees in the performance of their duties. (3) The personal liability of its employees towards the European Patent Office shall be laid down in their conditions of service or other rules applicable to them. (4) [An international court] shall have jurisdiction to hear disputes concerning the liability for damages referred to in paragraph 2.

Article 41. Control of the legality of decisions of the [Administrative Council] and of the President of the European Patent Office (1) For the purpose of controlling the legality of the decisions of the [Administrative Council] and of the President of the European Patent Office, the [European Patent Court] shall be empowered to hear appeals against decisions alleged to be ultra vires, violation of a basic procedural rule, violations of the provisions of this Convention or of its Implementing Regulations, or abuse of authority, which may be lodged by a natural or legal person, provided that the decision which is challenged concerns such person directly. (2) Appeals referred to in the preceding paragraph must be lodged within a period of two months counting from the date, as the case may be, of the publication of the decision, of its notification to the interested party or, failing these, from the date on which that party learned of the decision. (3) If the appeal is well grounded, [the European Patent Court] shall quash the challenged decision. (4) [The Administrative Council] or the President of the European Patent Office shall be bound to take steps to implement the decision. Such obligation shall be without prejudice to any obligation which may arise from the application of Article 40, paragraph 2.

Page 37

Article 36. Administration (1) The President of the European Patent Office shall ensure that the Office is administered in accordance with the provisions of this Convention and its Implementing Regulations: he shall be responsible for the activities of the European Patent Office to the [Administrative Council]. (2) To this end, the President shall have the following powers : (a) he shall take all necessary steps to ensure the functioning of the organisation ; (b) he may place before the [Administrative Council] any proposal for amending this Convention and any proposal for genural regulations or decisions concerning the European Patent Office which come within the competency of the [Administrative Council]; (c) he shall prepare and implement the budget in conformity with the financial provisions; (d) he shall submit each year the accounts, the balance sheet and a management report to the [Administrative Council]; (e) he shall exercise supervisory authority over the personnel; ( f ) he shall appoint the officials and employees other than those referred to in Article 37, and shall decide on their promotion; (g) he shall exercise disciplinary authority over the officials and employees other than those referred to in Article 37, and may propose disciplinary action to the [Administrative Council] with regard to officials referred to in Article 37, paragraph 3; (h) he may delegate his functions to one or more officials or employees of the European Patent Office; (i) he shall take part in the discussions of the [Administrative Council] relating to questions which concern the European Patent Office. (3) The President shall be assisted by a number of Vice-Presidents. In his absence, he shall be represented by one of the Vice-Presidents.

Article 37. Appointment of senior officials

(1) The President of the European Patent Office shall be appointed by decision of the [Administrative Council]. (2) The Vice-Presidents shall be appointed by decision of the [Administrative Council] after the President has been consulted. (3) The members of the Boards of Appeal and of the Revocation Boards shall be appointed by decision of the [Administrative Council], taken on the recommendation of the President.

Article 38. Duties of Office

(1) The officials and other employees of the European Patent Office are bound, even after the termination of their employment, not to disclose information which by its nature is a professional secret.

Page 38

BOARD OF TRADE

Translation of a Draft Convention relating to a European Patent Law

LONDON HER MAJESTY'S STATIONERY OFFICE FIVE SHILLINGS NET

Page 39

Article 38 (48), 39 (48 b), 40 (48 + 48 a), 41 (274) Ces articles sont adoptés sans observations. A la suite d'une question de M. Degarre, le Président précise que les crochets sont maintenus autour des mots "Conseil d'administration" pour indiquer qu'une décision doit Etre prise au sujet de ce Conseil dans le cadre de la convention générale.

Article 42 (49) Ia discussiun de cot article est différée jusqu'à l'arrivée de M. Roscioni ot de la délégation française.

Artioles 43 (194), 44 (195), 45 (196), 46 (197), 47 (198), 48 (199), 49 (200), 50 (201), 51 (202), 52 (203) et 53 (204)

Ces articles inspirés par ceux du Traité de Romo relatifs aux dispositions financières sont adoptés sans discussion.

Article 54 (50), 55 (51), et 57 (55) Ces articles sont adoptés.

Article 56 (52)

Après une interyontion de M. van Bonthem, au sujot du paragraphe 3 et un échange de rues sur la composition des divisions d'examen, le groupe maintiont la composition de trois membres préyue à l'avant-projot en ajoutant toutofois que la division d'examen pout faire appel à un membre juristo pour prendre des décisions où interviennent des questions de droit. En outre, il désire faire figurer sous cet article une remarque disant que le Président devrait pcuvoir définir les cas dans lesquels la division devrait s'assurer lo concours d'un membre juristo. L'article est adopté avec cotte observation et transmis au Comité de rédaction.

Page 40

GROUPE DE TRAVAIL " Brevets "

Bruxelles, le 31 juillet 1962 Confidentiel

Résultats de la sixième session du groupe de travail " Brevets " qui s'est tenue à Munich du 13 au 23 juin 1962

Page 41

Article 38 (48) Devoirs de la fonction (1) Les fonctionnaires et autres agents de l'office européen des brevets sont tenus, même après la cessation de leurs fonctions, de ne pas divulguer les informations qui par leur nature sont couvertes par le secret professionnel. (2) Les fonctionnaires et autres agents de l'office européen des brevets ne peuvent durent l'exercice de leurs fonctions déposer des demandes de brevet directement ou par personne interposée. (3) Le [Conseil d'administration] arrête le statut des fonctionnaires et le régime applicable aux autres agents de l'office européen des brevets.

AVANT-PROJET DE CONVENTION
RELATIF A
UN DROIT EUROPEEN DES BREVETS

=V E M a i 1062

Page 43

Une définition du secret professionnel ne lui paraît pas nécessaire. Il est certain que toute connaissance des demandes de brevets déposés tombent sous le secret professionnel; d'autre part, des publications scientifiques restent libres.

Quant aux sanctions contre la violation du secret professionnel, le Président remarque que des sanctions de droit civil après la cessation des fonctions ne peuvent entraîner que des mesures disciplinaires visant la suppression de paiements éventuels au fonctionnaire inculpé. Des sanctions pénales ne seraient possibles que sous condition de prévoir dans la Convention l'obligation des Etats membres de poursuivre la violation du secret professionnel. De pareilles dispositions n'existent dans aucun accord international et paraissent difficilement réalisables. M. de Huyser se demande si l'on pourrait admettre qu'un fonctionnaire de l'Office européen utilise sans violer le secret professionnel, ses connaissances générales acquises à l'Office pour donner des conseils à des tiers.

Le Président lui répond que de telles activités des fonctionnaires doivent être interdites étant donné qu'il s'agit de connaissances acquises dans l'exercice des fonctions. Mais de pareils cas devraient être réglés dans le statut du personnel.

Par contre, il est nécessaire de maintenir la disposition du paragraphe 2 dans la Convention étant donné qu'elle prive les fonctionnaires de l'Office d'un droit qui appartient à quiconque.

Suivant une suggestion de M. Degavre, le groupe décide de préciser que le dépôt des demandes de brevet par des tierces personnes agissant comme mandataire d'un fonctionnaire de l'Office devrait également être interdit.

Accompagné de ces remarques, l'article 48 est transmis au Comité de rédaction.

L'article 48 a qui reprend le texte de l'article 215 du Traité de Rome est également adopté.

Page 44

qu'en ce qui concorne le nombre, il sora limite par le budget. Quant au choix a effectuer parmi les candidaturss le Président devrait rester libre. Une garantie contre tout abus en la matière réside tout tout dabord dans la porsonne du Président ot ensuite dans le statut du porsonnel qui dovrait prévoir la possibilité d'un rocours a une instance judicjairo tul qu'il est prévu par le Traité do Rome.

Quant au ch, ix des vice-présidents, le Président donne raison a i. Pressonnet ot propose qu'ils soient nommés par le Conseil d'administration après avoir ontendu le Président do l'Office sans que ce dornier ait le droit do proposer les vice-présidents.

Infin le groupe suit la proposition do %. De asuse da prévoir que le Conscil d'administration nommerait et licencierait outre les personnes mentionnés au paragraphe 1 , les directours des divisions. In rédigeant ces propositions, la délégation française tiondra compto des décisions du groupe au sujet de l'article 47.

Discussion ds l'articls 48 de l'avant-projet.

Les paragraphes 1 st 3 sont repris du Traité de Jomo. Lo paragraphe 1. ne pose qu'un principe dont les détails dovront être fixés dans le statut du personnel.

Le Président proposeo de ne considérer que le fond des diversos dispositions de cet article on laissant a la délégation française le soin do déterminer leur emplacement dans l'onsemble du texto.

Le groupe décide qu'il faut prévoir un contrôle judicjairo des mesures disciplinaires prisos par le Président ot non pas un contrôle par le Conseil d'administration.

Réponçant a deux questions do i. van Benthom, le Président explique que. lo texto du paragraphe 1 est littéralement copié du Traité do Jomo.

GRONPE DE TRAVAIL

" Brevets "

Deuxième Partie : COMPTES RENDUS

Avant-projet de convention relatif à un droit européen des brevets

Page 46

GROUPE DE TRAVAIL " Brevets "

Bruxelles, le 1 février 1962 Confidentiel

Résultats de la quetrins session du groupe de travail " Brevets " qui s'est tenue à Bruxelles du 8 au 19 janvier 1962

1) Documents de baso

a) Traité do la CEE, articles 212 et 214 ; b) loi américaine sur les brevets, § 6 . 2) Remarques

Ad § 1 . Cette disposition est presque littéralement calquée sur l'ar ticle 214 du traité de la CEE.

Ad § 2. La réglementation proposée figure sous une forme plus détaillée dans l'article 6 de la loi américaine sur les brevets. Dans la république fédérale d'Allomagne, une pratique analogue a été récemment confirmée par la jurisprudence de la plus haute instance judiciaire. Les législations danoise, norvégionne et canadienne prévoiont également cette interdiction.

Ad § 3. Cetto disposition est calquée sur l'article 212, § 1 du traité de la CEE.

Page 48

Outre les articles consacrés à l'organisation de l'office européen des brevets, les membres du groupe de travail ont également reçu, en vue de la préparation de la quatrième réunion, un organigramme provisoire de l'office européen des brevets.

PREMIERE PARTIE

Le brevet européen Troisième section L'Office européen des brevets. Remarques préliminaires concernant les articles 41 à 49a.

Une partie des dispositions relatives à l'organisation de l'Office européen des brevets a déjà été arrêtée par le groupe de travail. Il s'agit des dispositions concernant l'organisation des diverses chambres de décision de l'Office furopéen des brevets. D'autres dispositions de cette section relatives à la division de l'administration des brevets, au registre européen des brevets et aux publications de l'Office européen des brevets ont été transmises aux membres du groupe de travail dans le document intitulé "articles divers" du 15 novembre 1961 .

Les articles 4 I à 49 a , soumis dans le présent document, contiennent des dispositions relatives à la nature juridique, au statut juridique, au siège aux langues officielles ainsi qu'aux privilèges et immunités. Ils traitent en outre de la direction de l'office, de problèmes relatifs à la non-observation des devoirs de la fonction ou à la responsabilité et de la couverture des dépenses de l'office européen des brevets ainsi que de la perception de taxes par cet office.

Plusieurs dispositions mentionnent le Conseil d'Administration comme organe chargé d'exercer un contrôle sur l'Office européen des brevets et auquel il sera acoordé certains pouvoirs lui permettant d'arrêter des règlements. Le terme "Conseil d'administration" est placé entre crochets dans le projet pour indiquer que l'avant-projet ne doit nullement préjuger l'étude ultérieure de la question de savoir à quel organe ces prérogatives seront accordées dans le cadre de la convention relative au droit européen des brevets.

Remarques

concernant le premier avant-projet de convention relatif à un droit européen des brevets

   -1-1-

Articles 4 I à 60

   [Articles  4 I à  49 a 7

Page 51

Article 48

Devoirs de la fonction

(1) Les fonctionnaires et autres agents de l'Office européen des brevets sont tenus, même après la cessation de leurs fonctions, de no pas divulguer les informations qui en raison de leur nature relèvent du secret professionnel. (2) Les fonctionnaires et autres agents de l'Office européen des brevets ne peuvent durant l'exercice de leurs fonctions déposer des demandes de brevet. (3) Le Conseil d'administration arrête le statut des fonctionnaires et le régime applicable aux autres agents de l'Office européen des brevets.

Page 52

IV/8926/61-F Orig. : D

Kurt Haertel Bonn, le 8 décembre 1961 CONFIDENTIEL

Premicr projet de convention

relative a un droit européen des brevets

Articles 41 a 60

[Articles 41 a 49 a]

Page 53

(1) Die Beamten und sonstigen Bediensteten des Europäischen Patentamts sind verpflichtet, auch nach Beendigung ihrer Amtstätigkeit Kenntnisse, die ihrem Wesen nach unter das Berufsgeheimnis fallen, nicht preiszugeben. (2) Die Beamten und sonstigen Bediensteten des Europäischen Patentamts dürfen während der Dauer ihres Dienstverhältnisses weder selbst noch durch einen Mittelemann Patentanmeldungen einreichen. (3) [Der Verwaltungsrat] erlässt das Statut der Beamten sowie die Beschäftigungsbedingungen für die sonstigen Bediensteten des Europäischen Patentamts.

Artikel 39 Zuständigkeit bei Streitsachen zwischen dem Europäischen Patentamt und seinen Bediensteten [Ein internationales Gericht] ist für alle Streitsachen zwischen dem Europäischen Patentamt und seinen Bediensteten innerhalb der Grenzen und nach Massgabe der Bedingungen zustăndig, die im Statut der Beamten festgelegt sind oder sich aus den Beschäftigungsbedingungen für die sonstigen Bediensteten ergeben.

Artikel 40 Haftung (1) Die vertragliche Haftung des Europäischen Patentamts bestimmt sich nach dem Recht, das auf den betreffenden Vertrag anzuwenden ist. (2) Im Bereich der ausservertraglichen Haftung ersetzt das Europäische Patentamt den durch ihre Bediensteten in Ausübung ihrer Amtstätigkeit verursachten Schaden nach den allgemeinen Rechtsgrundsätzen, die den Rechtsordnungen der Mitgliedstaaten gemeinsam sind. (3) Die persönliche Haftung der Bediensteten gegenüber dem Europäischen Patentamt bestimmt sich nach den Vorschriften ihres Statuts oder der für sie geltenden Beschäftigungsbedingungen. (4) [Ein internationales Gericht] ist für Streitsachen über den in Absatz 2 vorgesehenen Schadenersatz zustăndig.

Artikel 41 Uberprüfung der Rechtmässigkeit von Handlungen des [Verwaltungsrats] und des Präsidenten des Europäischen Patentamts (1) [Das Europäische Patentgericht] ist zum Zweck der Uberwachung der Rechtmässigkeit des Handelns des [Verwaltungsrats] und des Präsidenten des Europäischen Patentamts für Klagen zustăndig, die eine natürliche oder juristische Person wegen Unzuständigkeit, Ver-

Page 54

COMITE DE COORDINATION EN MATIERE DE PROPRIETE INDUSTRIELLE INSTITUE PAR LES ETATS MEMBRES ET LA COMMISSION DE LA COMMUNAUTE ECONOMIQUE EUROPEENNE

YOINIEFUNGSAUSSCHUSSAUF DEM GEBIET GENERBLICHEN RECHTSSCHUTZES EINETZT O.I DEN MITGLIEDSTAATEN UND iR KOMMISSION DER EUROPÄISCHEN WIRTSCHAFTSGEMEINSCHAFT

COMITATO DI COORDINAMENTO IN MATERIA DI PROPRIETA INDUSTRIALE ISTITUITO DAGLI STATI MEMBRI E DALLA COMMISSIONE DELLA COMUNITÀ ECONOMICA EUROPEA

COORDINATIE-COMITE OF HET GEBIED VAN DE INDUSTRIELE EIGENDOM INGESTELO DOOR DE LID-STATEN EN DE COMMISSIE VAN DE EUROPESE ECONOMISCHE GEMEENSCHAP

AVANT-PROJET DE CONVENTION

relatif à un droit européen des brevets élaboré par le groupe de travail «brevets»

VORENTWURF EINES ABKOMMENS über ein europäisches Patentrecht ausgearbeitet von der Arbeitsgruppe „Patente"

SCHEMA DI CONVENZIONE

sul diritto europeo dei brevetti predisposto dal Gruppo di lavoro «brevetti»

VOORONTWERP VERDRAG

betreffende een Europees octrooirecht opgesteld door de werkgroep "octrooien"

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(2) The officials or other employees of the European Patent Office may not, in the course of their employment, file applications for patents either directly or through an intermediary. (3) The [Administrative Council] shall fix the regulations for officials and the conditions of service for other employees of the European Patent Office.

Article 39. Jurisdiction in case of disputes between the European Patent Office and its officers [An international court] shall have jurisdiction in any litigation between the European Patent Office and its officers within the limits and subject to the conditions laid down in the regulations for officials or arising from the conditions of service of other employees.

Article 40. Liability

(1) The contractual liability of the European Patent Office shall be governed by the law applicable to the relevant contract. (2) In the matter of non-contractual liability, the European Patent Office shall be bound, in conformity with the general principles common to the laws of Contracting States to make good any damage caused by its employees in the performance of their duties. (3) The personal liability of its employees towards the European Patent Office shall be laid down in their conditions of service or other rules applicable to them. (4) [An international court] shall have jurisdiction to hear disputes concerning the liability for damages referred to in paragraph 2.

Article 41. Control of the legality of decisions of the [Administrative Council] and of the President of the European Patent Office (1) For the purpose of controlling the legality of the decisions of the [Administrative Council] and of the President of the European Patent Office, the [European Patent Court] shall be empowered to hear appeals against decisions alleged to be ultra vires, violation of a basic procedural rule, violations of the provisions of this Convention or of its Implementing Regulations, or abuse of authority, which may be lodged by a natural or legal person, provided that the decision which is challenged concerns such person directly. (2) Appeals referred to in the preceding paragraph must be lodged within a period of two months counting from the date, as the case may be, of the publication of the decision, of its notification to the interested party or, failing these, from the date on which that party learned of the decision. (3) If the appeal is well grounded, [the European Patent Court] shall quash the challenged decision. (4) [The Administrative Council] or the President of the European Patent Office shall be bound to take steps to implement the decision. Such obligation shall be without prejudice to any obligation which may arise from the application of Article 40, paragraph 2.

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Article 36. Administration (1) The President of the European Patent Office shall ensure that the Office is administered in accordance with the provisions of this Convention and its Implementing Regulations: he shall be responsible for the activities of the European Patent Office to the [Administrative Council]. (2) To this end, the President shall have the following powers : (a) he shall take all necessary steps to ensure the functioning of the organisation ; (b) he may place before the [Administrative Council] any proposal for amending this Convention and any proposal for genural regulations or decisions concerning the European Patent Office which come within the competency of the [Administrative Council]; (c) he shall prepare and implement the budget in conformity with the financial provisions; (d) he shall submit each year the accounts, the balance sheet and a management report to the [Administrative Council]; (e) he shall exercise supervisory authority over the personnel; ( f ) he shall appoint the officials and employees other than those referred to in Article 37, and shall decide on their promotion; (g) he shall exercise disciplinary authority over the officials and employees other than those referred to in Article 37, and may propose disciplinary action to the [Administrative Council] with regard to officials referred to in Article 37, paragraph 3; (h) he may delegate his functions to one or more officials or employees of the European Patent Office; (i) he shall take part in the discussions of the [Administrative Council] relating to questions which concern the European Patent Office. (3) The President shall be assisted by a number of Vice-Presidents. In his absence, he shall be represented by one of the Vice-Presidents.

Article 37. Appointment of senior officials

(1) The President of the European Patent Office shall be appointed by decision of the [Administrative Council]. (2) The Vice-Presidents shall be appointed by decision of the [Administrative Council] after the President has been consulted. (3) The members of the Boards of Appeal and of the Revocation Boards shall be appointed by decision of the [Administrative Council], taken on the recommendation of the President.

Article 38. Duties of Office

(1) The officials and other employees of the European Patent Office are bound, even after the termination of their employment, not to disclose information which by its nature is a professional secret.

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BOARD OF TRADE

Translation of a Draft Convention relating to a European Patent Law

LONDON HER MAJESTY'S STATIONERY OFFICE FIVE SHILLINGS NET

Page 58

Artikel 38 (48), 39 (48 b), 40 (48 + 48 a), 41 (274) Diese Artikel wurden ohne Änderungsvorschläge angenommen. Eine Frage des Herrn Degavre beantwortete der Vorsitzende dahingehend, daß die eckigen Klammern für den Ausdruck "Verwaltungsrat" beibehalten werden sollen, um darauf hinzuweisen, daß im Rahmen des allgemeinen Abkommens noch eine Entscheidung über diesen Rat getroffen werden müsse.

Artikel 42 (49) Die Besprechung dieses Artikels wird bis zur Ankunft des Herrn Roscioni sowie der französischen Delegation vertagt.

Artikel 43 (194), 44 (195), 45 (196), 46 (197), 47 (198), 48 (199), 49 (200), 50 (201), 51 (202), 52 (203) und 53 (204)

Diese mit den Artikeln des Rom-Vertrages zusammenhängenden Artikel über die Finanzvorschriften wurden ohne Diskussion angenommen.

Artikel 54 (50), 55 (51), und 57 (55) Diese Artikel wurden gleichfalls angenommen. Artikel 56 (52) Nach einer Zwischenfrage von Herrn van Benthem wegen Absatz 3 und einem Gedankenaustausch über die Zusammensetzung der Prüfungsabteilungen behielt die Gruppe die im Vorentwurf vorgesehene Zusammensetzung aus drei Prüfern bei, fügte jedoch hinzu, daß die Prüfungsabteilung bei Entscheidungen über Rechtsfragen um einen rechtskundigen Prüfer erweitert werden könne. Ferner beabsichtigt die Gruppe, diesem Artikel eine Bemerkung anzufügen, wonach der Vorsitzende die Fälle bestimmen soll, in denen die Prüfungsabteilung ein rechtskundiges Mitglied hinzuziehen müsse. Der Artikel wurde mit dieser Bemerkung angenommen und dem Redaktionsausschuß überwiesen.

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ARBEITSGRUPPE " Patente "

Brüssel, den 31. Juli 1962 Vertraulich

Ergebnisse der sechsten Sitzung der Arbeitsgruppe "Patente" vom 13. bis 23. Juni 1962 in Munchen

Amtspflichten

(1) Die Beamten und sonstigen Bediensteten des Europäischen Patentamts sind verpflichtet, auch nach Beendigung ihrer Amtstätigkeit Kenntnisse, die ihrem Wesen nach unter das Berufsgeheimnis fallen, nicht preiszugeben. (2) Die Beamten und sonstigen Bediensteten des Europäischen Patentamts dürfen während der Dauer ihres Dienstverhältnisses weder selbst noch durch einen Mittelsmann Patentanmeldungen einreichen. (3) Der Verwaltungsrat erläBt das Statut der Beamten sowie die Beschäftigungsbedingungen für die sonstigen Bediensteten des Europäischen Patentamts.

Page 61

Arbeitsgruppe "Patente" Briussel, den 26. Mai 1962 Redaktionsausschuss

V o r e h t w u f f

eines Abkommens über ein europäisches Patentrecht

Page 62

Es sei sicher, dass alle aus den eingereichten Patentanmeldungen erlangten Kenntnisse unter das Berufsgeheimnis fielen; dagegen würden die wissenschaftlichen Veröffentlichungen keiner Beschränkung unterliegen.

Hinsichtlich der Sanktionen wegen Verletzung des Berufsgeheimnisses erklärt der Präsident, dass zivilrechtliche Sanktionen nach Beendigung der Amtstätigkeit nur Disziplinarmassnahmen auslösen könnten, die darauf gerichtet wären, etwaige Zahlungen an den beschuldigten Beamten zu sperren Strafrechtliche Massnahmen seien nur unter der Voraussetzung zulässig, dass in das Abkommen die Verpflichtung der Mitgliedstaaten aufgenommen worce, die Verletzung des Berufsgeheimnisses strafrechtlich zu verfolgen. Derartige Bestimmungen seien in keinem internationalen Abkommen zu finden und seien kaum durchzuführen.

Herr de Muyser stellt die Frage, ob ein Beamter des Europäischen Patentamts auf Grund seiner bein Patentant erlangten allgemeinen Kenntnisse Dritten Ratschläge erteilen könne, ohne das Berufsgeheimnis zu verletzen.

Der Präsident antwortet ihm, dass eine solche Tätigkeit der Beamten untersagt sein müsse, weil es sich um in Ausübung ihres Amtes erlangte Kenntnisse handele. Derartige Fälle müssten jedoch im Personalstatut geregelt werden.

Demgegenüber sei Absatz 2 im Abkommen aufrechtzuerhalten, weil er den Beamten des Patentamts ein Recht vorenthalte, das jeCermann zustehe.

Auf Anregung von Herrn Degavre beschliesst die Gruppe klarzustellen, dass die Einreichung von Patentanmeldungen durch dritte Personen als Beauftragte eines Beamten des Patentamts gleichfalls verboten werden müsse.

Mit diesen Bemerkungen wird Artikel 48 an den Redaktionsausschuss überwiesen.

Artikel 48 a), der den Wortlaut von Artikel 215 des Vertrags von Rom wiedergibt, wird gleichfalls angenommen.

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Zahl durch den Haushaltsplan beschränkt. Hinsichtlich der Auswahl unter den Bewerbern müsse der Präsident freie Hand haben. Eine Sicherheit gegen jeden Missbrauch auf.diesem Gebiet werde zunächst durch die Person des Präsidenten und dann durch das Personalstatut gewährleistet, das, wie es im Vertrag von Rom vorgesehen ist, ein Rechtsmittel bei einem Gericht zulassen müsste.

Hinsichtlich der Wahl der. Vizepräsidenten gibt der Präsident Herrn Fressonnet recht und schlägt vor, dass sie nach Anhörung des Präsidenten des Patentamts durch den Verwaltungsrat ernannt werden sollen, ohne dass der Präsident ein. Vorschlagsrecht habe.

Schliesslich folgt die Gruppe dem Vorschlag von Herrn De Reuse, wonach der Verwaltungsrat ausser den in Absatz 1 genannten Personen auch die Abteilungsleiter ernennen und entlassen soll. Bei der Jusarbeitung dieser Vorschläge wird die französische Delegation die Beschlüsse der Gruppe zu Artikel 47 berücksichtigen.

Erörterungen zu Artikel 48 des Vorentwurfs

Absatz 1 und 3 sind aus dem Vertrag von Rom übernommen. Absatz 1 stellt nur einen Grundsatz auf, der in einzelnen im Personalstatut festgelegt werden muss.

Der Präsident schlägt vor, die einzelnen Bestimmungen dieses Artikels nur in sachlicher Hinsicht zu erörtern und der französischen Delegation die Entscheidung zu überlassen, an welcher Stelle im Textentwurf. der Artikel stehen soll.

Die Gruppe ist der Ansicht, dass die Disziplinarmassnahmen des Präsidenten einer gerichtlichen Überprüfung und nicht der Aufsicht des Verwaltungsrats unterliegen müssen.

Auf zwei Fragen von Herrn van Bonthem erklärt der Präsident, dass der Wortlaut von Absatz 1 wörtlich aus dem Vertrag von Rom übernommen sei. Eine Definition für das Berufsgeheimnis hält er nicht für erforderlich.

Zweiter Teil : SITZUNGSBERICHTE

Arbeitsentwurf eines Abkommens über ein europäisches Patentrecht

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ARBEITSGRUPPE " Patente "

Brüssel, den 1. Februar 1962 VERTRAULICH

Ergebnisse der vierten Sitzung der Arbeitsgruppe "Patente" vom 8. bis 19. Januar 1962 in Brüssel

Zu Artikel 48

Amtspflichten

1. Materialien: a) EWG-Vertrag, Art. 212 und 214; b) US-Patentgesetz, § 6 . 2. Bemerkungen:

Zu Abs.1: Diese Bestimmung ist fast wörtlich dem Art. 214 des EWG-Vertrags entnommen.

Zu Abs. 2: Die hier vorgeschlagene Regelung findet sich in weiterer Ausgestaltung in Art. 6 des amerikanischen Patentgesetzes. In der Bundesrepublik Deutschland wurde eine entsprechende Praxis kürzlich von der höchstrichterlichen Rechtsprechung bestätigt. Auch nach dänischem, norwegischem und kanadischem Recht besteht ein solches Verbot.

Zu Abs. 3: Diese Bestimmung ist dem Art. 212 Abs. 1 des EWGVertrags nachgebildet.

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keiner Weise präjudiziert werden soll.

Neben den Artikeln, die sich mit der Organisation des Europäischen Patentamts beschäftigen, ist den Mitgliedern der Arbeitsgruppe zur Vorbereitung der nächsten Sitzung auch ein vorläufiges Organisationsschema für das Europäische Patentamt zugegangen.

Erster Teil

Das europäische Patent 3. Abschnitt

Das Europäische Patentamt V o r b e m e r k u n g zu Artikel 41 bis 49 a

Ein Teil der Vorschriften über die Organisation des Europäischen Patentamts ist von der Arbeitsgruppe bereits verabschiedet worden. Es handelt sich um die Vorschriften, die sich mit der Organisation der verschiedenen Spruchkammern des Europäischen Patentamts befassen. Weitere Vorschriften dieses Abschnitts über die Patentverwaltungsabteilung, das Europäische Patentregister und die Veröffentlichungen des Europäischen Patentamts sind den Mitgliedern der Arbeitsgruppe mit dem Dokument "Verschiedene Artikel" vom 15. November 1961 zugegangen.

Die mit dem vorliegenden Dokument vorgelegten Artikel 41 bis 49 a enthalten Bestimmungen über Rechtsnatur, Rechtsstellung, Sitz, Amtssprachen sowie Vorrechte und Befreiungen. Sie behandeln ferner die Leitung des Amts, Fragen der Amtspflichtverletzung oder Haftung und die Deckung der Ausgaben des Europäischen Patentamts sowie die Erhebung von Gebühren durch dieses Amt.

In mehreren Bestimmungen ist als Organ, das die Aufsicht über das Europäische Patentamt führen und eine gewisse Verordnungsgewalt eingeräumt erhalten soll, der Verwaltungsrat genannt. Das Wort "Verwaltungsrat" erscheint im Entwurf in Klammern, um anzudeuten, daß der späteren Prüfung der Frage, welchem Organ im Rahmen des Abkommens über das europäische Patentrecht entsprechende Befugnisse eingeräumt werden sollen, durch den irbeitsentwurf in

VERTRAULICH!

B e m e r k u n g e n
zu dem ersten Arbeitsentwurf
eines Abkommens
über ein europäisches Patentrecht
Artikel 41 bis 60
[Artikel 41 bis 49a]

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Artikel 48 Amtspflichten (1) Die Beamten und sonstigen Bediensteten des Europäischen Patentamts sind verpflichtet, auch nach Beendigung ihrer Amtstätigkeit Kenntnisse, die ihrem Wesen nach unter das Berufsgeheimnis fallen, nicht preiszugeben. (2) Die Beamten und sonstigen Bediensteten des Europäischen Patentamts dürfen während der Dauer ihres Dienstverhältnisses keine Patentanmeldungen einreichen. (3) [Der Verwaltungsrat7 erläßt das Statut der Beamten sowie die Beschäftigungsbedingungen für die sonstigen Bediensteten des Europäischen Patentamts.

VERTRAULICH!

Erster Arbeitsentwurf
eines Abkommens
über ein europäisches Patentrecht

Artikel 41 bis 60 /Ärtikel 41 bis 49 a7

Page 72

Annex II

Report

by R. Bowen, Assistant Comptroller, British Patent Office

on the results of Main Committee II's proceedings

Introduction

1. In accordance with Rule 12 (3) of the Rules of Procedure, Main Committee II, meeting under the Chairmanship of M. Francois Savignon, Director of the French Industrial Property Office, examined Chapters I to IV of Part I of the Convention with the exception of Article 14, Articles 143 and 145, Part 11 of the Convention with the exception of Articles 160 to 162 and Part 12 of the Convention with the exception of Articles 169, 174 and 175, the relevant provisions of the Implementing Regulations, the Protocol on the Centralisation of the European Patent System and on its Introduction, the protocol on the Privileges and Immunites of the European Patent Organisation, and Recommendations and Resolutions of the Conference relating to these various fields. 2. Most of the amendments made by the Committee concerned points of detail. This report seeks to highlight only those changes which affect the substance of the several provisions considered by the Committee.

The Convention and Implementing Regulations

3. The Protocol on the Centralisation of the European Patent System and on its Introduction is an integral part of the Convention and its provisions take precedence over conflicting provisions of the Convention. The Protocol provides for absorption of the International Patent Institute into the European Patent Office, and the Committee adopted a French proposal to amend the Convention throughout so as to take this into account now, rather than to leave the necessary amendments to be made by the Administrative Council after entry into force, as was envisaged by Section VII of the 1972 draft of the Protocol. This required the amendment of several Articles and Rules. In particular, provision has now been made for Search Divisions within the European Patent Office itself; these Divisions, together with the Receiving Section, which is to be responsible for the examination on filing and as to formal requirements as well as for the publication of European patent applications and search reports, are to be in the Hague branch. 4. There was much debate in the Committee on Article 12 of the Convention. The basic rule, provided for in former paragraph 1, has been extended so that an employee should not profit from information obtained by reason of his employment. However, paragraph 2 of the 1972 draft, which precluded all employees of the European Patent Office from filing patent applications, has been deleted. On this question, views were sharply divided between those who held that the overriding consideration should be that the public should have absolute confidence in the integrity of the employees of the Office, and those who believed that considerations of individual freedom should be overriding, and that rigid constraints were either inappropriate or unnecessary. This matter can perhaps be dealt with more flexibly and in more detail in the Service Regulations, as is the case in the International Patent Institute. 5. Article 17 defines the composition of an Examining Division. Under Article 31 of the 1972 draft the Administrative

Council could amend Article 17, in the light of experience, so as to provide that an Examining Division shall consist of one technical examiner. The majority of the Committee considered that a higher degree of flexibility was needed to ensure the smooth, efficient running of the European Patent Office; in addition, it was necessary to make clear that the Council was empowered to reverse any decision it took on this matter. These points have been met by amending Article 31 so as to delete paragraph 1 (a) and include a new paragraph 2 (a). 6. Under Article 18, an Opposition Division dealing with an opposition on a particular patent can include an examiner who dealt with the case before grant. Recognising that this arrangement could improve efficiency, the Committee has retained this possibility, but with a view to giving the users of the European system greater confidence in the European Patent Office, it is now provided that in such cases the examiner in question may not be the Chairman of the Opposition Division. 7. A new Article 18a provides for a Legal Division which is to be responsible for decisions concerning entries in the Register of European Patents and the registration of professional representatives on the list referred to in Article 134. 8. Some changes have been made in the Articles dealing with the Boards of Appeal and the Enlarged Board of Appeal. As regards the composition of a Board of Appeal, as defined in Article 19, the Committee decided that it was unnecessary to provide for a technically qualified member who would act as rapporteur but would take no part in the Board's decision. Article 21, paragraph 1, of the 1972 draft contained no provision for the removal from office of members of the Boards of Appeal and the Enlarged Board of Appeal before the expiry of their term, although Article 11, paragraph 4, contains disciplinary powers. The Committee considered that specific powers for removal were required, and Article 21 now enables the Administrative Council to decide on removal from office on serious grounds on a proposal from the Enlarged Board of Appeal. Article 22 of the 1972 draft enabled a party to an appeal to object to members of the Board of Appeal or the Enlarged Board of Appeal, as the case may be, at any time. In order to avoid unjustifiable delays, this has been revised to stipulate that, if a party is aware of a reason for objection, he must make it before he proceeds any further. 9. Article 31, paragraph 3, has been extended so as to empower the President of the European Patent Office with the authorisation of the Administrative Council to enter into agreements with documentation centres set up as a result of agreements with inter-governmental organisations. The Committee recognised that this was without prejudice to the powers of the President to enter into commercial contracts on behalf of the European Patent Office, in accordance with the provisions of Article 10, paragraph 2 (a). 10. Finally, in this section dealing with the Convention, it is necessary to refer to Article 166. This Article, which concerns reservations, has a long history stretching back to the negotiations at the Strasbourg Convention of 1963 on the unification of certain points of patent law. It provoked a great deal of discussion in the Committee. There was general agreement that it was highly desirable for the Convention to embrace as many European countries as possible. It was also recognised that, particularly because of the maximum solution that has been adopted, some reservations should be permissible for a transitional period so as to enable certain countries to make the necessary adjustments. However, there was considerable disagreement as to the extent to which any State might make a reservation, and as to the time during which such a reservation should have effect; various proposals were tabled on these points by Greece, Portugal, Spain, Turkey and