Webinar: Navigating the New EU Unitary Patent System and Unified Patent Court

When: Thursday 31 March 2022 | 6:00 – 7:30 (GMT)

Speakers: Hazel Ford and Leythem Wall

Register here (early registration discount deadline Friday 4 March)

The Unitary Patent System and UPC are coming. Expected to be effective in 2022, this will be the most significant change for 50 years in European patent practice and will directly affect all current and future European patents and applications.

Once the new system is in effect, applicants will have a choice of the current “classical” European Patent (equivalent to a “bundle” of European national patents) or a new model, the EU Unitary Patent. With fewer fees, the Unitary Patent potentially offers a significant reduction in costs, depending on in which EU states you pursue protection and for how long.

Europe is establishing a new centralized patent court system that offers a unified body of substantive and procedural laws intended to simplify patent litigation throughout much of the EU. However, the new forum is not without concerns. Companies operating or planning to do business in Europe will want to consider several factors as they navigate the new system.

The UPC will allow coordination of strategy and procedures and provide broader enforcement across the EU in a single action. However, for many, the potential significant reduction in costs could be offset by the substantial risk of a single central revocation action also with effect across the EU. Companies and their counsel must understand the benefits and risks of the Unitary Patent and the UPC. Now is the time to prepare.

Listen as our authoritative panel examines the nuts and bolts of the new Unitary Patent System and UPC. The panel will also discuss strategic considerations for U.S. applicants and patentees.

Outline:

1. Nuts and bolts of the Unitary Patent System and UPC
2. Strategic considerations for U.S. applicants and patentees with European portfolios
3. Guidance on what needs to be done to prepare for the new system

Benefits:

The panel will review these and other vital issues:

• What are the advantages and disadvantages of the EU Unitary Patent System? How does it differ from the current system?
• What are the benefits and risks of the UPC?
• What key considerations should companies and their counsel keep in mind as they navigate the new systems?
• What steps should patent counsel take to prepare for the new systems?

Join Mathys & Squire Partner Hazel Ford and Oxon IP Director Leythem Wall in this live webinar with an interactive Q&A session, which will guide patent counsel through overcoming the challenges of the introduction of the UPC and the UP system.

For more information and to register, click here.