To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of proposals for the single European patent to be available in only one international and one country of origin language. [HL1891]

The UK supports an EU patent system which delivers real benefits for business by reducing the cost of protecting innovation across Europe. One of the main costs of patenting in Europe is the cost of translations. The UK therefore supports a reduced language regime for the EU patent which will significantly cut patenting costs. An approach based on one international and one country of origin language does not relate to any formal proposal currently being discussed in the EU and has not been assessed by the government. However, we will judge all detailed proposals on their merits as they emerge.