UPC FAQs | Freshfields

Below you will find some frequently asked questions on Europe's new patents regime.

The Unified Patent Court opened its doors on 1 June 2023.

From 1 March 2023 (the start of the “sunrise period”), applicants for and proprietors of European patents have been able to opt out their application or patent from the competence of the UPC.

The Unified Patent Court

Reports

3 Jun 2017

The Unified Patent Court’s structure

The new patent regime in Europe has two main elements: the unitary patent (UP) and the Unified Patent Court (UPC).

Reports

3 Jun 2017

How we can help you

At Freshfields, we have highly-rated patent lawyers in the key jurisdictions for patent litigation in Europe - Germany, the Netherlands and the UK.

3 Jun 2017

UPC news

Find out about the latest developments relating to Europe's new patent regime.

Contacts

Dublin, London

Laura WhitingPartner

Munich, Düsseldorf

Nina Bayerl (née Schäffner)Partner

Düsseldorf

Frank-Erich HufnagelPartner

Amsterdam

Rutger KleemansPartner

1. When will the UPC start?

2. What is the difference between a unitary patent (UP) and a European patent (EP)?

3. Is there a transitional period?

4. Can I maintain patent protection in Europe but avoid the UPC altogether?

5. Where should I bring an infringement claim under the UPC?

The Unified Patent Court

1. When will the UPC start?

2. What is the difference between a unitary patent (UP) and a European patent (EP)?

3. Is there a transitional period?

4. Can I maintain patent protection in Europe but avoid the UPC altogether?

5. Where should I bring an infringement claim under the UPC?

The Unified Patent Court