Do I need a professional representative to file a request for unitary effect?

The rules on representation are the same as apply under the EPC. Patent proprietors who have their residence or principal place of business in an EPC contracting state may act on their own behalf in proceedings before the EPO with respect to the Unitary Patent.

Patent proprietors who do not have a residence or a principal place of business in an EPC contracting state must appoint a representative and act through them in all EPO proceedings concerning their Unitary Patent, including the procedural act of requesting unitary effect (see Rule 20(1) and (2)(l) and (3) of the Rules relating to Unitary Patent Protection). However, compulsory representation does not apply to the payment of fees (Article 6 of the Rules relating to Fees for Unitary Patent Protection).

For more details, please see the Unitary Patent Guide.