Written question asked by Brian White (Labour) on Thursday, 29 April 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 10 May 2004. It was answered by Patricia Hewitt (Labour) on Monday, 10 May 2004 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what the Government's stance is on the proposed EU Software Patents Directive.

Answer: Brian White: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the Government's stance is on the proposed EU Software Patents Directive. [171107] Ms Hewitt: The Government continues to support the thrust of the proposal put forward by the European Commission for a Directive on the patentability of computer-implemented inventions that clarifies the existing position and reduces uncertainty in this field. Recent discussions on this subject have taken place between my officials and officials of other Member States with a view to a discussion in the Competitiveness Council on 17 and 18 May 2004. My Department continues to work with interested parties and other Member States to achieve a Directive that offers benefits for both innovators and users of this technology in the UK and Europe.

Secondary information