INFORMATION FROM THE EPO
Extension of European patents to Romania
On 9 September 1994 in Bucharest the President of the European Patent Office and a representative of the Romanian government signed an agreement on far-reaching patent co-operation.
Of special importance for European industry is the section governing the extension of European applications and patents to Romania. This latest addition to the series of similar agreements already signed with Slovenia1, Lithuania2 and Latvia3 will provide in the foreseeable future a simple and cost-effective route to sound patent protection there: "extended" European patents will confer essentially the same protection in Romania as those currently granted by the EPO for the 17 member states of the European Patent Organisation.
The relevant parts of the agreement will take effect once the necessary Romanian legislation enters into force. The exact date will be announced in the Official Journal in due course.
The EPO has also agreed on intensive technical co-operation with the Romanian Patent Office. In particular, it will provide training for its staff and the local patent profession, and help modernise the RPO and its patent information system.
1 In force since 1 March 1994; OJ EPO 1994, 75 (see also for more details about the extension system).
2 In force since 5 July 1994; OJ EPO 1994, 527.