Patents are currently handled at national level, which means that separate formalities must be carried out in each country where protection is sought. This is not beneficial for companies that are at the leading edge of innovation in Europe, as all these procedures increase costs, paperwork and legal uncertainty.

Although the Unitary patent, deployed in 2023, is a step forward, it has not yet been adopted by all Member States, such as Spain and Poland. This limits its effectiveness as a truly European system. In addition, it remains complex, costly and does not guarantee equal access for all European innovators.

That is why it would be a good idea to take a step further with a fully unified patent system valid throughout the EU, with harmonised procedures, centralised management and reduced costs. Indeed, this system would offer greater legal certainty, facilitate cross-border innovation and strengthen the single market within the Union.

To this end, the next EU budget should finance the creation of an European patent office, new digital platforms and a national-level training program aimed at explaining the key issues and challenges associated with the topic. All these actions would stimulate technological development and make Europe a global reference in terms of innovation.