EU Patent "within two years"

On 27 June the EU Council approved the draft regulations for a unitary patent previously published by the Commission (see our report here).  When it comes into force, this EU-wide patent will be valid in 25 of the 27 member states of the EU.  Italy and Spain are opting not to be included.  The next stage is for the regulations to be debated by the European Parliament.  Final agreement is expected by the end of 2011.  Revised proposals for a Community Patents Court are still awaited.