Patent litigation seminar: standard-essential patents (SEP) dispute

The seminar is dedicated to litigation issues pertaining to standard-essential patents (SEP) with a focus on cross-border disputes. The training promotes harmonised understanding and knowledge exchange among members of the judiciary. Participation is reserved to judges. The learning is organised through advanced reading, presentation and discussions at the live session. The seminar is a part of the Patent infringement and infringement proceedings course for judges.

Standard-essential patents (SEPs) play a central role in the digital economy, underpinning technologies that enable interoperability and connectivity across a wide range of sectors. As the economic and strategic importance of standards continues to grow, litigation involving SEPs has become an increasingly significant component of patent enforcement and dispute resolution. At the same time, SEP disputes are widely recognised as among the most complex forms of patent litigation, often raising intricate questions concerning patent infringement and validity, licensing on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory (FRAND) terms, jurisdiction, remedies, and the interaction between different national and supranational legal frameworks. Recent developments in case law across multiple jurisdictions have further highlighted the evolving nature of this field and the challenges it presents for courts.

This seminar is designed to provide a forum for judicial exchange and discussion on these issues. Through presentations and interactive discussions with experienced judges who have personally handled multiple SEP cases, participants will have an opportunity to explore current developments, share practical experiences, and reflect on emerging questions arising in judicial practice.