1 June marks an historic day for patent
protection in Europe
with the entry into operation
of the much anticipated Unitary Patent system. The launch represents
the most significant development in the European patent landscape since the signing of the European Patent Convention 50 years ago.
The Unitary
Patent system brings
a host of substantial improvements for users everywhere, including cost reductions, streamlined procedures, increased
transparency, and enhanced legal certainty.
Starting 1 June, users can apply for a single patent through a single procedure, subject to a single
renewal fee in a single
currency, and litigate under a
single legal system before the Unified
Patent Court (UPC). The UPC, which also commences its operations today, makes a centralised enforcement system
for patents a reality, and allows users to file cases at the European level.
So far, seventeen states
– Austria, Belgium,
Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands,
Portugal, Slovenia and Sweden –
have joined, with eight additional EU member states expected to
participate in the future. These economies generate
an estimated combined GDP of more than
EUR 12 trillion – or almost 80% of the entire EU’s GDP – and incorporate a population of nearly
300 million people. The new patent
regime further solidifies European’s standing as a critical global market for
innovation and investment.
Speaking on this
momentous occasion, EPO President
António Campinos said, „This day heralds a new dawn for
patents and innovation in Europe.
It is a time when users can look
forward to a more accessible form of
patent protection that will deliver growth for
our businesses and economies, and help our inventors to deliver sustainable solutions to tackle the great
challenges of our day. But this
achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering dedication and tireless efforts of exceptional experts, political
representatives, patent system users everywhere, and, of course, the remarkable work of the EPO staff, among many others.
The European Patent Office has been entrusted
with administering the Unitary
Patent by the member states,
and together with our stakeholders, we’re going to make it another success for
Europe.“
To celebrate this
milestone, the EPO is hosting the hybrid event, „Welcoming the Unitary Patent System –
A new era for innovation in Europe„, on
1 June at 15:00 CEST that can be followed
online. The celebration brings together key stakeholders and features distinguished speakers, including the EPO President António Campinos, Gunnar Strömmer, Swedish
Minister for Justice
representing the EU Council Presidency, Éric Dupond-Moretti, French Minister of Justice, Franz Fayot, Luxembourg Minister of Economy, Thierry Breton,
EU Commissioner for the Internal Market and President of the
Court of Appeal of the UPC, Dr Klaus Grabinski.
This event is open to all without
the need to register beforehand.