EPO sets start of transitional measures to 1 January 2023
Aligning with the recently published implementation roadmap published by the Unified Patent Court (UPC), the EPO has decided to adjust the starting date of its transitional measures to 1 January 2023.
As of that date, patent applicants may file early requests for unitary effect and requests for a delay in issuing the decision to grant a European patent. The measures are applicable until the entry into operation of the Unitary Patent Protection system which is expected to be on 1 April 2023.
The two measures were introduced to support an early uptake of the Unitary Patent by the users.
For detailed information as to the requirements for these two measures, including some examples, please go to the dedicated webpage of the EPO.
Please note that in the revised version of the texts published by the EPO, no other change than the adjustment of the starting date of the transitional measures has been made.
Further information:
Related items
EPO publishes its comprehensive contribution to the European Commission’s forthcoming report on the Unitary Patent system’s operations
The online conference highlighted UPC litigation, SEP, SPCs, mediation and arbitration in Europe
Discussions at annual meeting focus on shared priorities in quality, digital transformation and legal developments
Around 100 external stakeholders and EPO experts assess impact of the EPO’s Quality Action Plan 2025, AI tools and the Unitary Patent
Select Committee approved gender-neutral wording in the Rules for Unitary Patent Protection, taking effect from 1 December 2025
Exchanges on patent quality, plus impact of the Unitary Patent system and AI
User representatives contribute nearly 400 comments on draft EPC, PCT-EPO and UP Guidelines
EPO President Campinos speaks on a panel at Expo 2025 Osaka and meets Japanese user associations
Exchanges on the Unitary Patent, SMEs and European cooperation.
EPO deepens longstanding collaboration with the American Intellectual Property Law Association
New EPO study and dataset reveal clear link between standards and patents, as Unified Patent Court set to become dispute forum of choice
Constructive dialogue draws on valuable feedback from the latest round of public consultation
Patent quality, AI, the Unitary Patent and international co-operation high on the agenda
Exchanges on the Unitary Patent, European competitiveness and how patent intelligence informs policymaking
Feedback on EPC, PCT-EPO and UP Guidelines can still be filed until 7 April
EPO President António Campinos has appeared on the latest episode of IP Fridays, a podcast on developments in the IP world, released today.
Applicants exchange on quality, timeliness and the Unitary Patent
Explore the latest patenting trends in the Patent Index 2024
Discussions focus on Unitary Patent ratification