The December 2017 target date for the entry into operation of the European Unified Patent Court (UPC) has been delayed, according to an update recently published on the UPC’s website. The UPC identifies delays with the national ratification procedures of some member states as the cause of this delay. The UPC has not yet indicated a new target date for the commencement of the UPC, but states that the situation “is being continuously monitored with a view to publish a new timetable on this website as soon as possible.”
The UPC Agreement creates a pan-European patent enforcement zone for patents issued by the European Patent Office (EPO). Currently, patentees must go through a process of national validation for EPO patents granted for each European country, and likewise must bring enforcement actions each country. Previous E-TIPS® coverage of the UPC can be found here.
Summary By: David Bowden
E-TIPS® ISSUE
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