For an applicant seeking patent protection for their invention in multiple member states, the new system offers many advantages compared to the traditional European Patent. It simplifies the process, makes it faster, and more cost-effective to obtain a valid patent. The Unitary Patent does not replace the procedure established under the European Patent Convention for granting European Patents but provides an alternative for applicants to protect their inventions in Europe. 17 member states are participating in the Unitary Patent system: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, and Sweden. More countries are expected to join in the future.
Unified Patent Court will handle disputes related to both the Unitary Patent and the European Patent. It is also possible to schedule sessions of the Unified Patent Court in Estonia with interpretation.
For more information about the Unitary Effect European Patent, please visit the EPO website.