Judges, lawyers and prosecutors

Judges and public prosecutors can deepen their knowledge of patent law and litigation in this section. 

Compulsory licensing in Europe

In some cases, national authorities may license companies or individuals other than the patent owner to use the rights of the patent without the consent of the patent owner. “Compulsory licensing in Europe” provides a country-by-country overview of compulsory licensing regimes across the 38 EPC contracting states including possible grounds for grant, procedural framework and jurisprudence.

The jurisdiction of European courts in patent disputes

The adjudication of cross-border patent infringement and revocation disputes in Europe is regulated by the rules of jurisdiction provided for in various legislative instruments, e.g. the Brussels I Regulation (recast), the Lugano Convention, and international and national law. Once the Unified Patent Court Agreement has entered into force, the Unified Patent Court will also have jurisdiction to adjudicate on disputes relating to European and national patents. This manual provides an overview and a guide, including scenarios, to the jurisdiction of European courts concerning patent infringement and revocation disputes.