EPO’s review of the Unitary Patent system
Since the launch of the Unitary Patent system on 1 June 2023, the EPO has registered over 75 000 European patents with unitary effect. Uptake among European SMEs is particularly strong.
The Unitary Patent has seen an exceptional uptake among European users since its inception. Unitary Patents spare users considerable time and money. With a single right, users automatically gain patent protection in 18 EU Member States, with cost savings of around €26 000 in renewal fees for the average 12-year term of a patent compared to classic European patents validated separately in each state.
Cutting costs and red tape, the Unitary Patent has quickly become popular among European SMEs, universities and public research organisations, with uptake rates considerably higher than for classic European patents. In his 2024 report on the future of European competitiveness, Mario Draghi underlined the positive impact of the Unitary Patent on the innovators who are key to closing Europe’s innovation gap. He also highlighted the benefits of expanding the system to all 27 EU Member States.
Insights into every aspect of the Unitary Patent system’s successful implementation
Two-and-a-half years into the operation of the new system, the EPO is pleased to provide all stakeholders with transparent insights into every aspect of its successful implementation. Today, the EPO published its contribution to the European Commission’s forthcoming report on the Unitary Patent system, which is due for submission to the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union by June 2026.
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