The government is considering introducing tougher rules for innovation patents in an effort to curb abuse by large companies, it said on 24 September.
Some larger companies are working the system to extend the life of their patents and deliberately target competitors, the government said.
Innovation patents have a lower threshold for patentability and an eight-year term. The government is proposing the introduction of an ‘inventive step’ requirement for innovation patents, which is already in place for standard patents.
Public consultation on the proposed changes closes on 25 October.