Unified patent system about to be launched

The Federal Republic of Germany deposited the instrument of ratification of the Agreement on a Unified Patent Court (UPC) with the European Council on February 17, 2023. With this, the UPC will now definitely enter into force on June 1, 2023.

In addition, the preparatory “sunrise period” has also begun. As early as March 1, 2023, the Unified Patent Court (UPC) will accept opt-out declarations for European patent applications and patents.

The UPC will then become fully operational as of June 1, 2023. Legal actions concerning European patents that have not been opted out can then be brought before the UPC.

Moreover, applicants of European patent applications which are about to be granted can already now request the European Patent Office to grant a patent with unitary effect in currently 17 member states of the EU after the patent has been granted.

Seemann & Partner Patent Attorneys are prepared and will support you from day one. Feel free to contact us with your questions about the unitary patent system!