Article 79 - OJ 1995, 803

Extension of European patents to Albania

- OJ 1995, 803 -

On 3 November 1995 in Munich the President of the European Patent Office and a representative of the Albanian 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 Albania. This latest addition to the series of similar agreements already signed with Slovenia¹, Lithuania², Latvia³ and Romania⁴ 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 Albania 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 Albanian 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 Albanian Patent Office. In particular, it will provide training for its staff and the local patent profession, and help modernise the ALPO and its patent information system.