First Unitary Patents on their way to publication
The European Patent Register contains for the first time data on European patents with request for unitary effect following the entry into operation of the Unitary Patent system on 1 June.
Data on 600 patents with such requests are mentioned and will be published as granted in the forthcoming edition of the Bulletin. In total, the EPO had received 800 requests for unitary effect by the end of May, as well as 4 500 requests for deferred publication of the grant of the European patent which will make those patents eligible for requesting unitary effect in June and early July.
The entry into force of the Unitary Patent system for 17 EU Member States has been the single most important development in European patent history since the signing of the European Patent Convention on 5 October 1973, nearly fifty years ago. The Unitary Patent system offers a host of expected substantial improvements for users everywhere, including cost reductions, streamlined procedures, increased transparency, and enhanced legal certainty. The Unified Patent Court (UPC), which also commenced its operations on 1 June, makes a centralised litigation system for patents a reality in Europe and allows users to file cases at the European level.
Related items
Discussions focus on Unitary Patent ratification
Preview versions of the EPC, PCT-EPO and UP Guidelines 2025 are published as of today. Our annual user consultation is now open for your feedback.
Guidelines on EPC, PCT-EPO and Unitary Patent to be the most comprehensive ever
Discussions on European innovation policies and the Unitary Patent
Outcomes of first meeting with Adrian Howes, President of the UK industry association
Engaging with the EPO’s largest user group, celebrating 40 years of co-operation
Third edition reflects all changes in the 18 months since new system launched
Select Committee of the Administrative Council adopts change in the Rules relating to Unitary Patent Protection
Agreement reached on budget and accession of Romania welcomed
Members of the SACEPO Working Party on Guidelines provide input on the drafts for 2025
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
Over 250 online documents reveal the history behind the most significant patent reform of recent decades
Unitary Patent system soon to welcome 18th EU Member State