Unified Patent Court
What is the Unified Patent Court?
The Unified Patent Court (UPC) is an international court that serves as a single patent court for specific EU Member States. It provides a specialized framework for patent litigation at a European level.
The UPC holds exclusive jurisdiction over patent cases, including both classic European patents and Unitary Patents. The UPC is comprised of a Court of First Instance, a Court of Appeal, and a Registry, with judges from various European countries, plus legally and technically qualified experts in patent litigation.
What are Other Terms for Unified Patent Court?
Other terms related to, and frequently used when referring to the Unified Patent Court are:
- UPC: This a common abbreviation used to refer to the Unified Patent Court.
- Unified Patent Court System: This term is used to describe the integrated system of the Unified Patent Court established by the Agreement on a Unified Patent Court (UPCA)
- European Patent Office (EPO): The European Patent Office is an organization that grants European patents and plays a key role in the patent system in Europe. While the UPC deals with litigation, the EPO focuses on the grant and administration of European patents.
Why is the Unified Patent Court Important?
The UPC significantly simplifies patent litigation and enhances patent protection in the EU. It streamlines patent disputes by reducing the complexity and financial burdens associated with multiple legal proceedings.
The Unified Patent Court’s exclusive jurisdiction over European patents and inclusion of legal and technical experts ensures accurate and consistent legal decisions. As an international collaboration among 24 EU Member States, the UPC harmonizes patent law to support research, development, and innovation.
