Unitary Patent & Unified Patent Court
A better patent system for Europe
The Unitary Patent and the Unified Patent Court are the building blocks which supplement and strengthen the existing centralised European patent granting system. They offer users a cost-effective option for patent protection and dispute settlement across Europe.
Unitary Patent
Unitary Patents make it possible to get patent protection in up to 18 EU Member States by submitting a single request to the EPO, making the procedure simpler and more cost effective for applicants.
Unified Patent Court
The Unified Patent Court (UPC) is an international court set up by participating EU Member States to deal with the infringement and validity of both Unitary Patents and European patents, putting an end to costly parallel litigation and enhancing legal certainty.
Learn more about the UPC FAQUPC website
Unitary Patent dashboard
This overview of requests for unitary effect and registrations of Unitary Patents is updated daily. Our interactive display (in English only) breaks down requests by technology, language and proprietors’ profile.
Introductory brochures
Basic information about the Unitary Patent system – its economic impact and how it fits into the existing European patent framework.
Materials & recordings
Access presentations and videos from previous events
Welcoming the Unitary Patent System: A new era for innovation in Europe Webinars with UPC expertsUnitary Patent information in patent knowledge (videos) PODCAST Unitary Patent: impact and insights (June 2024)Events & training
Updates
Delegation from the Japan Intellectual Property Association visits the EPO in Munich
Europe’s leading patent judges and litigators gather in Venice to discuss current litigation practice and take stock of the UPC’s first year
Mario Draghi’s personal vision points to critical role for patent system
EPO President highlights crucial role of judiciary in Unitary Patent system
Romania becomes the 18th EU Member State to join the Unitary Patent system
Delegation from EPO visited the local division to learn about their first year
This precautionary measure, decided by the President of the EPO, is taken pending further discussions with the EPO’s member states.
Event covers Chinese patent law, EPO-CNIPA pilot and fosters mutual understanding