New dashboard reveals demand for Unitary Patents

Following the launch of the Unitary Patent system on 1 June 2023, the European Patent Office (EPO) today has published a dashboard that reveals the leading sources of requests for unitary effect, as well as in which of eight broad technology sectors these patents are classified. The dashboard is fed with daily updates from the EPO’s own internal workflow, giving an immediate overview of applicants’ eagerness to opt for Unitary Patents.
“This dashboard will create transparency through relevant information on how the take-up of the Unitary Patent is evolving”, said EPO President António Campinos. “It covers relevant parameters for users to gain a comprehensive overview of the attractiveness of the Unitary Patent to innovating businesses from around the globe.”
The new patent is met with an encouraging demand, with an average of 670 requests every week since 1 June. Growing numbers of patent owners are requesting unitary effect for their recently granted European patents, seeking to benefit from greater country coverage (17 participating states so far) and lower cost overheads, as well as less administration thanks to a single entry in the European Patent Register and a business-friendly single annual renewal fee payable to the EPO.
Further information
Related items

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

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