London, Leeds & Exeter
Mon 20th Feb 2023
All systems go for the Unitary Patent from 1 June 2023
Services: Applying for a patent overseas, International reach, IP strategy, Obtaining a patent, Patents
Sectors:
The Unitary Patent is now ready to enter into operation on 1 June 2023, after the German government deposited its instrument of ratification of the Agreement on a Unified Patent Court (UPCA) with the Council of the European Union on the 17 February 2023.
Welcoming the news, EPO President António Campinos said, "Under the Unitary Patent system, European businesses will be able to benefit from broader and more effective patent protection at lower costs, which is particularly important for smaller entities.” And “It establishes a uniform technology market facilitating transactions across a big economic region."
Since the European Patent Office launched its transitional measures on 1 January to encourage an early uptake of the new system, more than 2,200 requests for unitary effect and/or for delay of grant have been filed.
Click here to see the full press release from the EPO.
This briefing is for general information purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for legal advice relating to your particular circumstances. We can discuss specific issues and facts on an individual basis. Please note that the law may have changed since the day this was first published in February 2022.
