法規解析
在歐洲市場銷售產品需不需要標示專利號?

Charl Goussard/北美智權 法規研究組
李淑蓮 翻譯/北美智權報 編輯部

2012.08.01
         

北美智權報之前已經介紹過出口產品至美國及中國市場時,有關標示專利號的相關規定。(註:美國市場請參考在美國有關物品上標示專利證書號數的新發展、中國市場請參考:你的專利產品標示專利號了嗎?至於歐盟方面又是如何呢?由於歐盟由許多成員國組成,而每一成員國之規定亦不盡相同,所以應謹慎處理。

通常,製造廠會在產品上標示「Patented」或是「Patent pending」來讓一般大眾了解這件商品已經獲得專利保護。

許多製造商可能以為只要在歐洲專利局(EPO)取得專利授權,然後再於歐盟申請指定國,或是分別申請單一歐盟國家的專利,便可以讓專利權人得到充分保護。即使不在產品上作任何標示,也可以向侵權者請求侵權損害賠償。然而,事實上並沒有那麼簡單。

首先,因為目前歐洲並沒有統一的法院或是法律實體來負責管理專利相關的法律問題,那表示每一個歐盟國家都是依據自己國家的法律來執行專利標示之相關規定的,而每一個國家的法令都不太一樣。

因此,當專利權人要對侵權者發動專利侵權訴訟及損害賠償的時候,必須跑遍每一個他想要興訴的國家的法院。要注意的是,如果專利權人並沒有按當地規定在產品上標示專利號的話,有些國家或是地區的答辯人/疑是侵權者可以以「無知的侵權者」(INNOCENT INFRINGER作為攻防戰時的辯護理由。

本文主旨是告知專利權人被告有可能會提出那種答辯理由,專利權人、被授權人及關心此議題之廠商在標示產品專利號之前,都應該跟他們在歐洲不同國家及地區的法律顧問提出咨詢。

「無知的侵權者」

「無知的侵權者」的辯護理由建立在其公開性(publicity)上。

有一些地區要求要獲得專利授權之產品標示專利號,以讓用戶或是潛在的侵權者清楚知悉產品已經獲得專利保護之事實。如果申請人/專利權人沒有在產品上標上專利號,那即使已發生侵權事實,也可能無法要求損害賠償。但在另外一些國家所謂公開性只需要公開告知產品的專利狀態 - 或是有需要的人主動聯絡製造商/ 銷售方來查詢產品的專利狀況。 

不同歐洲國家的情況

下表的國家之國家法令規定已獲得專利授權之產品必須標示專利號,以避免「無知的侵權者」的答辯理由。

國家 標示專利號之相關規定
丹麥及瑞典 製造商及進口商有共同的義務,本身必須對他們週遭已獲專利授權的產品有所了解。不管是批發商還是零售商,如果他們並未被告權品的專利權狀況,則可能會承認是「無知侵權者」。然而,如果產品已充分標示專利號,則「無知侵權者」的答辯理由便不太容易出現。
愛爾蘭及英國 這兩個國家都可以使用「無知」作為答辯理由。然而,如果獲得專利授權的產品已標上專利號,則「無知」之答辯理由便無法成立。僅在產品上標示「已獲專利授權」(patented)是不夠的。

以下國家不能以「無知」作為答辯理由

國家 標示專利號之相關規定
比利時 不可以用「無知」作為答辯理由 - 因此不需要標示專利號(即使專利權人未在物品上標示專利號,侵權人也不能以無知或不知情作為侵權訴訟之答辯理由)。
德國 不可以用「無知」作為答辯理由 - 因此不需要標示專利號。(即使專利權人未在物品上標示專利號,侵權人也不能以無知或不知情作為侵權訴訟之答辯理由)

針對以「無知侵權者」作為答辯理由的特別規定或例外情況

國家 標示專利號之相關規定
法國 正確的標示專利號並不保證能成功杜絕「無知的侵權者」- 即使已在產品上標上專利號,侵權者仍有可能成功的以無知作為侵權的答辯理由。 
意大利 如果侵權者在搜尋義大利的專利註冊資料時其沒發現侵權物件的專利資料,則「只能」以「無知的侵權者」作為答辯理由。
荷蘭 除非侵權者已被告知,或有充份證據顯示其已被告知涉入侵權事件,否則,有可能不能向侵權者要求損害賠償。然而,如果能證明侵權者收到專利證書的複本,則可以防止其以「無知」作為答辯理由。
西班牙 除了是製造商、進口商、或是專利製程的使用者外,侵權者只有在被告知專利存在的情況下,才需要負法律責任;除非他們的侵權行為是故意的。
瑞士 不能以「無知」作為侵權的答辯理由,除非專利權是在失效後被復權的。

總結

在歐洲,不同國家對於在產品上標示專利號的政策各異,本文希望能讓讀者對一些特別的規定加以注意;如果你要在歐洲市場銷售已經獲得專利授權的產品,可以向相關歐洲國家當地的法律專員查詢。

你可以問你的法律顧問以下問題:
1.在相關國家是否需要標示專利號?
2.如果是需要的話,以何種語言及方式來標示才是正確的呢?
3.是否需要標示申請中的專利(pending patents)- 及如何標示?
4.在產品上標示專利號有什麼好處?
5.需要標示全部獲得授權的專利或是只標示一個或數個即可?
6.美國發明發案(America Invent Act)提供虛擬標示 - 相關的歐洲國家又如何?

資料來源

"European Patents Handbook", Volume I, Thomson, Sweet & Maxwell, 2008.

France: Patent Law Art. 51, 1968.

Spain: Patent Law Sec. 64, 1986.

Switzerland:Patents Act Art. 58, 1954.

United Kingdom: Patents Act Sec. 62, 1977

 

To Mark or Not to Mark…? Patenting in Europe

The question of marking a product protected by patents, especially when such products are marketed in Europe, is one that should be considered with care…

Usually, the product is marked "Patented" or "Patent pending" to inform the public that the product is protected by patent.

Many a manufacturer might think that having a patent granted by the European Patent Office (EPO) and then designated to the elected European countries, or having a patent granted by a European country separately, is sufficient to provide the patentee with the right to claim damages from any infringer of such right, without any markings on the product.

However, the answer, unfortunately, is not that simple.

Firstly, consider that there is still no uniform court or body of law that governs patent litigation in Europe. That means, each European country applies its own national laws to patent markings – and these laws are often different.

Therefore, when instituting a patent infringement case and claiming damages from the infringer, the applicant/patentee will have to approach the courts of each and every European country in which he/she wishes to institute a patent infringement suit. And – in some of these countries the respondent/alleged infringer might be able to rely on a defense: "INNOCENT INFRINGER" if the products were not sufficiently marked. 

This article aims to inform patentees of the possibility of such a defense.
Patentees, licensees and all concerned parties should consult their various legal representatives in Europe about MARKING PRODUCTS prior to marketing patented products.

The "Innocent Infringer": 
The basis of the defense of "innocent infringer" is that of publicity.

In some countries it is required that the patented product be marked as such so that the user or possible infringer becomes aware of the fact that the product is as such protected by a patent. If the applicant/patentee fails to mark the product, it is possible that NO DAMAGES may be claimed from a person, even though such a person has committed an infringement!  In other countries, the onus is on the public to be informed of the patent status – or to contact the manufacturer/seller to enquire about the status…

 

The position in Europe:

Please note, that according to the national laws of the following countries, patented products should be marked to avoid the defense of "innocent infringer".

Countries Rules regarding Patent Marking
Denmark & Sweden Manufacturers and importers have a common obligation to make themselves aware of the circumstances surrounding patented products. Wholesalers and retailers may plead innocence and that they were not informed by the proprietor of the patent. However, if the products were adequately marked, a defense of "innocence" is not possible. 
Ireland & United Kingdom The defense of innocence is offered. However, if the patented goods were marked with the patent number, the defense of innocence will not stand. Merely marking the product with the word "patented" is insufficient!  

In the following countries, no defense based on ignorance is available:

Countries Rules regarding Patent Marking
Belgium No defense based on ignorance is available – thus no need to mark patents.
Germany No defense based on ignorance is available – thus no need to mark patents.

Special rules or exceptions to the defense of "innocent infringer":

Countries Rules regarding Patent Marking
France The defense of innocent infringer is not nullified by proper marking; thus – even though the product has been marked, the infringer may still succeed with his/her defense.
Italy The infringer may ONLY rely of the defense of innocent infringer if he/she has searched the Italian patent register and the patent was not then located…
Netherlands Damages may not be awarded against the infringer unless he/she was informed, or reasonable grounds exists to show that he/she has been informed, that he/she was involved in infringing activities. However, proof that the infringer received a copy of the patent prevents the infringer from relying on the defense.    
Spain Infringers, except for manufacturers, importers, or users of patented processes, are liable only after being notified of the existence of the patent; unless their actions have been intentionally wrong. 
Switzerland No defense based on ignorance of the patent is available, except where the patent has lapsed and has been restored.  

Summary:

在歐洲,不同國家對於在產品上標示專利號的政策各異,本文希望能讓你對一些特別的規定加以注意;如果你要在歐洲市場銷售已經獲得專利獲權的產品,可以向相關歐洲國家當地的法律專員查詢。In Europe, the requirements related to patent markings on a product differs vastly amongst different countries. This article attempts to draw your attention to the importance of correct product marking and the necessity of consulting with local legal specialist in the relevant European country where you intend to sell your patented product.

你可以問你的法律顧以下問題:Possible Questions that you might consider when asking for advise from your legal adviser may include:

1.在相關國家是否需要標示專利號?
2.如果是需要的話,以何種語言及方式來標示才是正確的呢?
3.是否需要標示申請中的專利(pending patents)- 及如何標示?
4.在產品上標示專利號有什麼好處?
5.需要禁示全部獲得授權的專利或是只標示一個或數個?
6.美國發明發案(America Invent Act)提供虛擬標示 - 相關的歐洲國家又如何?

1. Is Patent Marking required in the relevant country?
2. If it is required, what is the correct way/language that should be used for marking?
3. Is it necessary to mark pending patents – and how is it done?
4. What are the benefits of marking products with the patents that cover them?
5. Is it required to list all the patents on the product or only one/some?
6. The "America Invent Act" provides for virtual marking – what is the position in the relevant country? 

Sources:

"European Patents Handbook", Volume I, Thomson, Sweet & Maxwell, 2008.

France: Patent Law Art. 51, 1968.

Spain: Patent Law Sec. 64, 1986.

Switzerland:Patents Act Art. 58, 1954.

United Kingdom: Patents Act Sec. 62, 1977

 

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