since 1. June 2023 There is the Unitary Patent and the Unitary Patent Court (Unified Patent Court, UPC). Since then, a single procedure can decide on the infringement and legal validity of a patent in all participating EU member states. This opens up opportunities – and risks.
Unit Patent
After a European patent has been granted, an application for unitary effect can be made within one month. Instead of many national validations, one annual fee is sufficient for all participating countries.
Opt-out
Classic European patents can be removed from UPC jurisdiction during the transition period. Whether it's worth it, depends on portfolio, competitors and enforcement strategy.
Proceedings before the UPC
Infringement lawsuits, Actions for nullity, Interim measures and preservation of evidence – before the local chambers, U. a. in Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Mannheim and Munich, as well as the central chamber.
What we do for you
- Portfolio-Check: Unit Patent, classic EP patent or national patent?
- Opt-out strategy and revocation of the opt-out
- Monitoring UPC proceedings against your industry
- Representation in violations- and nullity proceedings before the UPC
- Defense against pan-European cease-and-desist requests
News about the UPC
- Equivalent patent infringement before the EPG: The Düsseldorf Local Chamber specifies the four-step test
- Patent law decisions – EPO, UPC, BGH, Cafc
- What does the European unitary patent system offer??