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PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE

Reference :-

TRELLE C.O.885

18 PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC-

COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH-NOT TO

Thirteenth Day. 8 May 1907.

UNIFORMITY OF PATENT LAWS. (Mr. Deakio.)

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memory, and without my material here, which I have not looked at for some months, I know that this resolution, although allowed to stand in these general terms, was intended merely to introduce the, subject with a view to a discussion as to the particular points and methods of simplifying patent processes, assimilating them to each other, so that we might at all events make some approach towards uniformity. Any idea of absolute uniformity to be obtained by means of an Imperial Statute, if it be ever feasible, does not appear feasible now. All that can be attempted so far as I recall the difficulties to mind is, as I have said, that there should be such an assimilation of methods, times and modes as would facilitate the understanding in each part of the Empire of the patent laws of the other portions, so that the steps taken and information supplied may be of the same nature, thus saving the inventor the expense of facing half-a-dozen or a dozen sorts of procedure in order to register his patents in different parts of the Empire. We quite recognise that it is only in that practical direction, step by step, and not by any overriding legislation requirements, that we can attain the object of this resolution. It resolves itself into the practical question how far our patent systems can be assimilated as to be easily mutually comprehensible and available.

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE: That is really the point.

Mr. DEAKIN: I have not any material at hand here to explain the details in which I thought that was possible.

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE: What I find is that there are legal difficulties, and I think they are set forth here in the memorandum which I will put in ; I will not trouble the Conference by reading it.

Mr. DEAKIN: We have not seen that, have we ?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE : No. You will find the difficulties are all set out there. We do not mind inquiring into the whole question if you can put it into the form rather of an inquiry into the matter as to whether something can be done to assimilate the laws.

Mr. DEAKIN: I will do that.

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE: Would you mind putting your resolution in that form?

CHAIRMAN: And then it can be taken up at a subsidiary Conference,

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE: Would something of this sort suit you? "That greater uniformity of the patent laws throughout the Empire is "desirable so far as local circumstances permit."

Mr. DEAKIN: Certainly, but would not you go further? That is a general affirmation that greater unity is desirable so far as local circumstances permit, but could not some action be taken, perhaps preferably on your initiative, if we were to furnish you, if you do not possess a complete statement of our patent laws and methods to be collated by you. Then you might be prepared to suggest to each of us any amendments you would commend if we should see our way to make them. This would be a means of bringing us into line in whatever directions it is possible to obtain

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uniformity. If you added to your general assertion something of that sort it Thirteenth Day. would be a most useful thing.

8 May 1907.

UNIFORMITY OF PATENT LAWS,

Sir WILLIAM ROBSON: There can be no harm in any expression as to what is desirable, but I think before any constituent member of the (Mr. Deakin.) Conference commits himself to this resolution or anything like they would require a very great deal of further consideration.

Mr. DEAKIN Are you speaking of the resolution that the President of the Board of Trade has just read?

Sir WILLIAM ROBSON: No, but the addendum that you are suggesting should be made to it-"That patents grauted in Great Britain or in any Colony possessing a patent office of a standard to be specified should be valid throughout the Empire." I think that is Mr. Deakin's aim, rather.

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Mr. DEAKIN: That is an unattainable ideal at present. It can be approached, but not reached, and it can only be approached by steps.

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE: This is the first step, I think, to greater uniformity.

Mr. DEAKIN : quite agree with that.

Sir WILLIAM ROBSON: That a uniformity of law is desirable is a very safe expression.

Mr. DEAKIN It goes without saying.

Sir WILLIAM ROBSON: But that you should pledge yourselves to bringing about uniformity of law involves difficulties-

Mr. DEAKIN: I do not suggest that. I adopted Mr. Lloyd George's words and was suggesting that you might go on to invite us first of all to furnish to you at the centre of the Empire, if you do not possess them, schedules of particulars setting forth our Patent Laws. Then having obtained those from each of the self-governing Dominions, you could compare them and see in what particular modes it would be an advantage to bring them into line. You would inform each one what would be necessary to bring its law into a general harmony. Probably all would accept it with minor amendments. The consequence would be that you would have taken the longest stride that is now possible towards uniformity.

Sir WILLIAM ROBSON: Uniformity of law, any resolution expressing the desirability of obtaining uniformity of law, might have very beneficial results, but I do not think beyond that we should proceed at present. We are now in the middle of a discussion on a Patents Bill in the House of Commons which is of a somewhat elaborate character, and we have also to consider there, as we have in nearly every case, the international conventions. We should want a good deal of time to think over the effect before altering our Imperial patent law.

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE: Take the Bill which is before the House now; we are introducing for the first time the principle of compulsory working of

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