The Unitary Patent system and the Unified Patent Court are the biggest developments in the European patent system since the European Patent Convention came into force in 1973. They promise to open a whole range of additional opportunities and issues when it comes to enforcing, as well as challenging, patent rights across Europe. The interactions between the UPC and the national patent jurisdictions require a deep understanding of the existing system as well as the new opportunities provided by the UPC.
Our team have been actively helping shape the future of IP law in Europe. We have been involved in consulting, and commentating, on the proposals for centralised European patent litigation, and the UPC rules of procedure. Our lawyers sat on a number of professional Boards interested in these issues, including EPLAW, IPLA and the BIA IP Committee. We have also been involved in the organisation of mock trials under the draft UPC rules of procedure and are assisting in the training of UPC judges.
We have established ourselves as pre-eminent legal advisors to assist clients in navigating the complex European patent landscape. Our unrivalled experience of coordinating complex, multinational litigation for many years and our depth of knowledge of the UPC allows us to bring clarity to a multi-layered and increasingly complex system.