Unitary Patent system to begin operation on 1 June
Posted:
The long-awaited European Unitary Patent system will begin operation on 1 June 2023 after Germany deposited its instrument of ratification of the UPC Agreement.
Today’s step by Germany triggers the “sunrise period”, which will commence on 1 March, three months from the start of the Unified Patent Court (UPC). During this period, applicants or holders of European patents and Supplementary Protection Certificates can take action to opt out their patents before the UPC goes live.
EPO President António Campinos said: “The deposit by Germany opens the door for a new era of IP protection in Europe. 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. The start of the long-expected system is the result of close co-operation and constructive work of all partners and stakeholders of the European patent system. It will be a boon for the European economy as it establishes a uniform technology market facilitating transactions across a big economic region. While later this year we are going to celebrate the 50th anniversary of our founding treaty, the European Patent Convention, this huge step represents a historic moment for innovators and the protection of inventions in Europe.”
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