For Marc Dulst and scores of other entrepreneurs in the EU, the single European patent will arrive thousands of euros too late.
The Belgian inventor of a gadget that protects wine after the bottle has been opened, Dulst has spent €33,000 getting it patented in 13 of the EU member states. A patent across the remaining 14 would bring the costs to €45,000.
By contrast, he patented 'Qivino' - which works by maintaining the correct oxygen levels for the wine - for €16,000 in the US.
Back our independent journalism by becoming a supporting member
Already a member? Login here