With the ratification of the Agreement on a Unified Patent Court (UPC) by Germany on February 17, 2023, a historic milestone in the European patent world has been reached. As of June 1, 2023, the Unified Patent Court will start its work and will decide on the infringement and validity of patents under the European Patent Convention and the new EU Unitary Patent in a uniform manner for all participating EU member states. First instance chambers will be established in the participating member states, in Germany at the locations Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Mannheim and Munich. President of the Court of Appeal is Dr. Klaus Grabinski from Germany, President of the Court of First Instance is Florence Butin from France.
The Unified Patent Court aims to provide a modern, digital and efficient method for resolving patent disputes in Europe. The court's files are kept completely electronically in a case management system, and the court's decisions are also issued in electronic form.
It will be interesting to see what impact this development will have on the European patent market. However, one thing is certain: the Unified Patent Court will simplify the administration of justice and strengthen patent protection at the European level.
In our news of 16.12.2022 we had already reported on the postponement of the Unitary Patent.
We are happy to assist you with questions about the Unitary Patent, requests for unitary effect, request for deferment of publication of the notice of grant or declaration of an opt-out.
Talk to us and contact us for further information at:
Phone: +49 (0)611 / 341568-0
Fax: +49 (0)611 / 341568-11
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Author: Dr. Michael Schmid