TOKYO, April 2 -- Japan Patent Office issued the following news:
What is the "Group B+"?
Group B+, a framework of developed countries comprising the IP offices from 47 countries and 2 organizations*1, aims to harmonize substantive patent laws. The group primarily discusses four major topics related to substantive patent law harmonization (SPLH): grace period, conflicting applications, prior user rights and prior art, as well as Client-Patent Attorney Privilege (CAP).
*1 Specifically speaking, this includes WIPO Group B (developed countries) member countries, EU member countries, European Patent Convention (EPC) member countries, the European Patent Office (EPO), the European Commission, and South Korea.
Recent Meetings
Group B+ Plenary M...