London Brussels Hong Kong Beijing Countdown to the Unitary Patent system in Europe Susie Middlemiss...
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London Brussels Hong Kong Beijing Countdown to the Unitary Patent system in Europe Susie Middlemiss 8 June 2015
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Transcript of London Brussels Hong Kong Beijing Countdown to the Unitary Patent system in Europe Susie Middlemiss...
London
Brussels
Hong Kong
Beijing
Countdown to the Unitary Patent system in Europe
Susie Middlemiss
8 June 2015
2
National patent application
National patentBundle of national European patents
Overview of the unitary patent
No election 1 month election
European patent application
Non European Patent Convention countries
European Patent Convention countries
Transitional period
UPCNational courts
Single unitary patent
Opt out
3
Unified Patent Court
Central Division
English/French/German
Local Divisions
≤4 per country
Local Language
Regional Divisions
2 or more countries
Local Language
Court of First Instance
Paris Munich LondonMunich London
Court of Appeal – Luxembourg
4
Status of ratification
? ? ? ?
5
Progress and ratification
Official
Looking possible
not 2015
end 2016/early 2017
6
Recent Developments
• the Spanish Challenge: failed 5 May 2015
• the Belgian Challenge: dropped
• Italy set to join the Unitary Patent
Judges in training
IT system in development
Rules of Procedure
7
Transitional regime
Want to opt out?
Existing UPC case?
National case
No opt out
Patentees Choice
UPC
Transitional Period7 (up to 14) years
Opt back inif no national case
Post transitional (where no opt out)
No Yes
8
Transitional regime
● Unitary Patent:
UPC exclusive jurisdiction
● European Patent:
UPC exclusive jurisdiction + transitional regime 7-14 years
Opt out for individual EPs (for life of the patent)
Enforcement in either national courts or UPC if no opt-out
9
Issues and opportunities of the UP and UPCPros
Central application
Broad territorial coverage
Choice of forum
Cross border relief
Reduce multi-jurisdictional litigation
Ability to opt out for 7 years and monitor
Bifurcation? – pro patentee to split validity and infringement
Cons
Central revocation
Cost may outweigh benefit
Courts untested/forum shopping
All or nothing
Filing and litigation costs unknown
Continuing uncertainty
Unclear – bad for defendant
10
Strategy
1. What do I need to do now?
2. Do I opt out of the UPC?
3. How do I opt out?
11
Cost?
Court FeesRenewal fees Opt out
€Recovery
12
Opting out: considerations
● All proprietors/applicants must lodge the Application
● Opt-out for all Contracting Member States: all or nothing
● Fee of €80
● Position of exclusive licencees
● Sunrise provision
13
Opting out
Pros Cons
No risk of central attack Limited to national enforcement
Takes EP out of UPC jurisdiction altogether – even post transitional period
National action blocks opt back
Fee for opting out – € 80
Can opt back in
Fee for opting in – € 80
Monitor development of UPC No influence on UPC
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Action points
● Review existing portfolios now Identify commercially valuable patents Identify co-owned patents Assess costs
● Consider position if acquiring EP in one jurisdiction – will co-owners agree to opt out?
● Exclusive licences (current and future) – position on opt out?
● Be ready for sunrise period
