Report on IP Manthan Virtual Event: Information Sharing Session on the Unitary Patent & Unified Patent Court

The IP Manthan virtual session on the Unitary Patent (UP) and Unified Patent Court (UPC) was held on Wednesday, 5th March 2025, from 15:00 to 16:00 Hrs (IST) / 10:30 to 11:30 Hrs (CET). The session provided valuable insights into the European Patent Reform, which was launched on 1st June 2023. It explored key aspects of the reform, focusing on its impact on patent protection and litigation in Europe.

The Unitary Patent (UP) aims to simplify the patent process by allowing a single registration to cover 18 participating EU member states. The European Patent Office (EPO) processes and administers the UP, with search and examination procedures remaining unchanged. A request for unitary effect must be filed within one month of a granted patent’s publication in the EPO Bulletin. SMEs, individuals, non-profits, and research institutions may request a compensation of 500 EUR under specific conditions. The Unitary Patent offers benefits such as lower costs, a single renewal fee, broad coverage, and a simplified licensing process.

The Unified Patent Court (UPC) has exclusive jurisdiction over both classical European patents and Unitary Patents. It is structured into a Court of First Instance, with divisions in Paris, Milan, and Munich, and a Court of Appeal in Luxembourg. The UPC streamlines litigation by ensuring harmonized procedures, reducing costs, and avoiding divergent decisions across different national courts. The court comprises legal and technical judges to handle infringement and revocation cases efficiently.

The session concluded with discussions on the impact of the UP and UPC on innovation, highlighting key technical fields benefiting from the reform, including medical technology, computer technology, measurement, and transport. The event provided a comprehensive understanding of Europe's evolving patent landscape, fostering awareness and engagement within the IP community.

Conclusion:

The session provided a comprehensive overview of the European Patent Reform, emphasizing its impact on patent protection, litigation, and innovation across key technical fields.