The Unitary Patent and the Unified Patent Court
This represents the biggest change to patent law in Europe for 50 years: it creates a single approach to patent registration and litigation across up to 24 European Member States (currently 17 participating Member States), with a combined population of approximately 400 million.
The introduction of the new system makes establishing patent protection across Europe easier and more effective, facilitating the protection of innovations and inventions. It also makes it possible to challenge patents and to obtain rulings preventing the distribution of goods and the use of patented processes across all the participating Member States. If you’re operating in Europe and the protection and exploitation of intellectual property is a strategic priority, it’s crucial to understand what the impact of the new Unitary Patent system involves and to factor that in to any existing or new patent strategy you may be developing for your European operations.
If you need support or want to review your existing strategy, we’re here to help. Within our international patent practice, we have created a specialist UPC team. Their role is to help you navigate the new landscape effectively, which will enable you to continue to protect your intellectual property in this new environment. We’re also based on the ground in every major jurisdiction where a division of the UPC is located.
For any further information, please get in touch with your usual Bird & Bird contact or any member of our UPC team, found on this page, or follow us @twobirdsIP / Bird & Bird LinkedIn for breaking news and commentary.
Practitioners Guide to the UPC 1st Edition
Helping you navigate the practice and procedure of the Unified Patent Court and Unitary Patent.
The Unitary Patent and the Unified Patent Court
