12 March 2018

AfD challenges to the UPC Agreement

The acts that passed through the German Parliament to enable ratification of the Unified Patent Court (UPC) Agreement are now being challenged by the opposition party, Alternative für Deutschland (AfD).

The AfD have called for the repeal of the acts that have put Germany in a position to ratify the Agreement. Uncertainty remains around whether the pan-European Unitary Patent Agreement will therefore come into effect.

In the meantime, with the UK government in a position to ratify the Agreement, the IP Federation (representing British industry) and the Law Society are urging the government to ratify before the end of March; the target date for agreeing the transitional arrangements for Brexit.

To discuss further, contact your Mathys & Squire attorney.