Does a representative need a separate authorisation to act in procedures relating to the Unitary Patent before the EPO?

Representatives may be authorised either by an individual authorisation or by a general authorisation. However, an extra authorisation is needed for all proceedings relating to a Unitary Patent. In particular, an authorisation issued for all proceedings established by the EPC does not automatically cover the proceedings relating to a Unitary Patent. A separate check box has therefore been added to Forms 1003 (individual authorisation) and 1004 (general authorisation) which can be used to issue authorisation for all proceedings relating to a Unitary Patent. There are also two forms – 7003 and 7004 – which can be used, respectively, to issue an individual and a general authorisation that applies only to a Unitary Patent. When filing Form 7000 (request for unitary effect), it is possible simply to refer to a previously filed specific or general authorisation if it also covers proceedings relating to Unitary Patents.