As European politicians consider fundamental reforms to patent protection, one of the key questions
they have to address is how to make the system more efficient. In particular, some critics believe
Europe needs to look to the US model to improve its effectiveness. In a special MIP debate, Koos
Rasser argues that the European patent system as it exists today is substantially inferior to that of the
US, while Simon Mounteney says that, though not perfect, Europe offers many benefits to applicants