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The European Commission has opened a study into the quality of patents in the European Union. The study will also focus on the concept of a Community Patent, and its effects on the future of EU patent systems.

Patent policy has received a deluge of controversy after individuals noted that registered patents are ‘too broad and of a poor quality’. Technology industries in particular have been the most vocal, arguing that the inadequacies allow rival companies to ‘stifle innovation’.

Plans to create a single EU patent, supported by Commissioner Charlie McCreevy, have raised alarm, but the Commissioner is determined to explore alternatives.

“The aim is to study the quality of patent rights in order to propose effective policy solutions for the optimal function of the future patent system in Europe,” said a tender document from the Commission.

The study’s findings will be used to assess how well the current system works and investigate the ‘harmonisation’ of national processes with a Community patent scheme.

“The research should take into account a system with the co-existence of national and European patents, and a future Community patent which is being negotiated between Member States,” added the Commission.