22 April 2016

The below article is outdated and does not reflect new developments since its publication. You will find up-to-date information about the Unified Patent Court and the Unitary Patent at gowlingwlg.com/upc

The Unified Patent Court (UPC) is established by an international agreement between states which are both members of the EU and contracting states to the European Patent Convention (EPC). The Unitary Patent (UP) is an instrument of EU law, but certain administrative tasks are entrusted to the European Patent Organisation (EPO). The key documents and legislation are set out below.

The Agreement on a Unified Patent Court (UPCA)

Rules of Procedure

European Legislation (Unitary Patent)

For further information on the UPC or advice and guidance as to how to prepare for it coming into force in 2017, please speak to Nick Cunningham, Michael Carter or another member of our patent team.


NOT LEGAL ADVICE. Information made available on this website in any form is for information purposes only. It is not, and should not be taken as, legal advice. You should not rely on, or take or fail to take any action based upon this information. Never disregard professional legal advice or delay in seeking legal advice because of something you have read on this website. Gowling WLG professionals will be pleased to discuss resolutions to specific legal concerns you may have.

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