European Patent Office

2.5.2016

Question for written answer E-003678-16
to the Commission
Rule 130
Liadh Ní Riada (GUE/NGL)

Is the Commission aware of the practice by professional scammers of targeting applicants to the European Patent Office and issuing them with bogus invoices in an attempt to extract money from them, thereby putting innovators and entrepreneurs at risk of losing significant start-up capital?

Is the Commission satisfied with the steps being taken by the European Patent Office to combat this practice?

Does it believe that the publication by the European Patent Office of the full details of applicants is necessary?