Publications, press articles, rankings, awards
New Guidelines for Examination in the EPO
In March, the European Patent Office (EPO) has published a new version of the Guidelines for Examination.
Unitary patent & JUB: Sunrise Period update and next steps
The Unified Patent Court (UPC) will be officially launched on June 1, after years of attempts by member states. The entry into force of JUB will also see the introduction of the unitary patent. A so-called Sunrise Period began on March 1, 2023, allowing for opt-outs: i.e., derogations from the JUB’s jurisdiction.
Industrial property: 5 key questions about the European unitary patent
The new system officially comes into force on June 1, with the operational launch of the Unified Patent Court. This simpler, more cost-effective way of obtaining extended protection for innovations in Europe is aimed in particular at exporting SMEs. […]
A word on plausibility and subsequent resumption of stayed proceedings
In November 2021, a Technical Board of Appeal referred to the Enlarged Board of Appeal regarding the notion of Plausibility and how it should be approached before the EPO.
Increased burden of proof for owners of well-known trademarks
The decision of the General Court of European Union (December 7, 2022, T-623/21, EU:T:2022:776, Puma SE / EUIPO – Vaillant GmbH) has been widely commented by the IP community.
Safety net(s) in case of a rejection of a request for a Unitary Patent
The Unitary Patent (UP) has to be requested at the latest 1 month after the publication of the grant of a European Patent.
However, if certain formalities are not met, such a request for unitary effect may be rejected. The rejection may be pronounced by the European Patent Office (EPO) or by the Unified Patent Court (UPC).
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