What are the benefits of Unitary Patents for SMEs?

The Unitary Patent offers numerous advantages not only for SMEs but also for individual proprietors, universities and research organisations. Beyond general benefits such as the single registration process, lower costs, centralised fee payment and licence/transfer registration, it provides uniform protection across all participating Member States, making broad territorial protection more accessible for small entities. This means the Unitary Patent has the same effect in all those countries, with consistent application of rules and legal remedies available for its enforcement. The Unified Patent Court further enhances efficiency by allowing challenges to be resolved in a single forum, reducing costs, saving time and ensuring consistent application of the law.

Additionally, SMEs are eligible for compensation of EUR 500 for the costs of translating their initial patent application into one of the three official languages of the EPO.

Furthermore, any proprietor prepared to allow any person to use their invention (licence of right) will additionally benefit from a 15% reduction in renewal fees which fall due after receipt of their statement.