If you have any questions on the UPC and UP system, please contact upc@hlk-ip.com.
The launch of the Unified Patent Court (UPC) and the Unitary Patent (UP) system in 2023 was undoubtedly the most significant development in European patent law and practice since the introduction of the European Patent Convention in 1977.
Aims
The aim of the UP and UPC system is to improve access to the patent system in Europe, by reducing the cost and complexity of obtaining and enforcing patent protection in the participating EU member states.
Unitary Patent
The UP is an extension of the existing European patent system, which offers applicants a new option to validate a granted European patent as a single unitary patent right that is effective in all EU member states that participate in the UPC and UP system.
Unified Patent Court
The UPC is a forum for hearing infringement and validity disputes relating to UPs and classical European patents, with the power to deliver judgements that are effective in all participating EU member states.
HLK’s unique position
With expert European Patent Attorneys in every major technical discipline and an in-house litigation team including Patent Attorney Litigators who are able to represent clients at the UPC, HLK is uniquely placed to help our clients to navigate the complexities of the UPC and UP system, from formulating effective IP strategies that make best use of the opportunities presented by the system to developing creative approaches to dispute resolution to secure the most favourable outcomes.