Unitary Patent Guide updated
The 3rd edition of the Unitary Patent Guide, published online today, reflects numerous changes that have happened since the Unitary Patent system started on 1 June 2023.
The new edition helps users to understand the practices established by the EPO since the launch of the Unitary Patent system 18 months ago, including aspects related to the accession of Romania (on 1 September 2024), the re-establishment of rights, the handling of requests for delay of registration of unitary effect, the filing of authorisations (since 1 November 2024) as well as new features of MyEPO Portfolio or fee refunds.
This 3rd edition of the Unitary Patent Guide lays the groundwork for the forthcoming Unitary Patent Guidelines in April 2025, which will supersede and replace the current Guide. Our dedicated FAQs for Unitary Patent topics will remain and be updated with references to the new Guidelines.
The popularity of the Unitary Patent is exceeding expectations. Over one quarter of all European patents now granted by the EPO are converted into Unitary Patents by their owners, and over 40 000 Unitary Patents have been registered by the EPO since June 2023, including more than 23 000 this year.
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