Patent Enforcement: A Comparative Review Preventing Patent Trolling in Europe

Abstract

The US has made significant progress in the patent legislation landscape as evidenced by the US Patent Act in the Constitution and America Invents Act (AIA) of 2011. Nevertheless, patent suits by non-practicing entities (NPEs) have been on the increase over the past ten years. Major corporations, especially, such as Apple and Samsung have been on the receiving end of the litigation as NPEs target their large cash holdings. A closer look at the patent laws in the US and Europe reveals subtle differences in the grace period, publication of patent, and the application of patent rights across member states. Given the preceding facts, vital action points for the European market include the enactment of laws that prevent patent trolls as opposed to punishing NPEs after the act and reduction of litigation costs for lowquality patents.