What innovative companies need to know (and do) now
One thing is certain: the new Unified Patent Court will open its doors on June 1, 2023. The Unitary Patent will also be introduced on the same day. An additional patent system that will enable innovative companies to protect their technical ideas even more effectively, cost-effectively and assertively. But those who have the choice are also spoiled for choice. Because now it is important to make the right decisions and be prepared in terms of effective and low-risk patent management.
The first possible preparatory measures can and must be taken now. This is because so-called “opt-out” applications for existing European Patents can be filed from March 1, 2023. In short: If you are the owner of a granted European patent and want to prevent the new Unified Patent Court from becoming responsible for this patent, you should file an opt-out application before June 1, 2023 if possible.
Irrespective of this, consideration must be given to how to proceed with Patent Applications that are currently still being examined by the European Patent Office and will not be granted a patent until after June 1, 2023. Should these Patents be protected with unitary effect? What does “protection with unitary effect” actually mean? Which countries in the European Union will participate in the new patent system? What about the costs? What are the benefits and risks of a unitary patent? All these questions should be answered promptly.
To make it easier for you – entrepreneurs, CEOs and patent department heads – to answer these questions, Keller Schneider is organizing a free webinar on 23 March 2023 led by our partners Dr Philipp Rüfenacht and Franz Möltgen. In it, we will highlight the
You are welcome to register for the free webinar here. Alternatively, you can also apply without registering. Do you already have further questions about the new unitary patent system? Please do not hesitate to contact us.