■ European invention patents
European patent is an invention with industrial practicability, absolute novelty and creativity. So far, EPO has 34 member countries and 4 extended countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia and Serbia). With the accession of 5438+1 October1Norway and Croatia in June 2008, the patent granted by EPO came into effect in 38 European countries (including 34 contracting countries and 4 extension countries).
■ EU design
EU design patents are filed directly in the EU Trademark and Patent Office and are valid in 28 countries. The 28 member States of the European Union include: France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Denmark, Ireland, Britain, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Finland, Sweden, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Romania and Croatia.