In our technological society patent law plays a central role as an incentive for the development and marketing of new technologies in many fields of business. The number of patent applications continues to grow considerably every year. International and European instruments have been implemented and further are being planned in order to simplify the application and enforcement of patents. The scope of patent protection is strongly influenced by case law. "Concise European Patent Law" aims to offer the reader a rapid understanding of all the provisions of patent law in force in Europe that have been enacted at the European and international levels. This volume takes the form of an article-by-article commentary on the relevant European instruments and international treaties. It is intended to provide the reader with a short and straightforward explanation of the principles of law to be drawn from each provision. Editors and authors are prominent specialists (academics and practitioners) in the field of international and European patent law. "Concise European Patent Law" is part of "Concise IP", a series of five volumes of commentary on European intellectual property legislation edited by Thomas Dreier, Charles Gielen and Richard Hacon. The formula of this series is based on the successful German and Dutch formula 'KurzKommentar' and 'Tekst en Commentaar'. The five volumes cover: Patents and related matters, Trademarks and designs, Copyrights and neighbouring rights, and, IT and a general volume including jurisdictional issues.