The UP (Unitary Patent) and UPC (Unified Patent Court) are key components of the European patent system. The UP allows inventors to obtain a single patent enforceable across multiple EU countries, while the UPC is a judicial system specialized in handling disputes related to UP and European patents. At Gevers, we seamlessly integrate these components into your patent strategy.
Unitary Patents and Unified Patent Court
A single patent right covering multiple EU Member States – designed for efficiency and scale.
Transformation of patent
creation in Europe
With Unitary Patents, innovators can now obtain patent protection in 18 EU Member States. Procedures to obtain patent protection across much of the European Union are simpler and the Unitary Patent provides a single and competitive set of renewal fees. The unitary patents are also accessible in one comprehensive Register at the European Patent Office.
In size, the 18 EU Member States represent a more than significant part of the European Union. It corresponds to a market of over 317 million inhabitants.
The uptake of the Unitary Patent is higher than expected and is now already about 30% of all European patents granted. The type of innovators making use of the Unitary Patent system is also varying from SMEs to large companies illustrating the system’s accessibility and appeal.
Important to know is that the procedure from filing a European patent application up to the grant of a European patent is not changed by the Unitary Patent System. It’s only when the European patent application is granted that the Unitary Patent system provides the option to request for a Unitary Patent (official: “Request for Unitary Effect”) in stead of 18 national validations in the 18 EU Member States.
Another important aspect is that a unitary patent is not a requirement to litigate before the Unified Patent Court (UPC). Indeed, owners of national validated European patents can also litigate before the UPC.
Find the right UP expert
Our vision on UP and UPC
The importance of knowledge and expertise
Unified Services for UP and UPC
We protect your innovations
With extensive experience in both prosecution and litigation, we are your reliable partner for all aspects of the UP and UPC. From filing strategies to defending your rights in opposition and appeal procedures, we cover the full spectrum of patent services.
We empower you with:
- Detailed advice on opposition and appeal procedures
- Representation in oral proceedings before the EPO
- Strategic guidance on the benefits and implications of UP and UPC
- Tailored litigation strategies for the Unified Patent Court
- Coordination with local attorneys to ensure comprehensive protection