NEWS FROM THE WORLD OF IP!
The EU's Unitary Patent Agreement has been ratified by Romania as of May 31, 2024, making it the 18th state to join the Unitary Patent system. This means that unitary patents validated from September 1, 2024, will include territorial validity in Romania.
For owners of newly granted European patents interested in extending their Unitary EU Patent coverage to Romania, there is an important administrative step. They may apply for postponement of the registration of the unitary effect after September 1, 2024. It’s crucial to note that the application for unitary effect must be submitted within one month from the date of publication of the notice on the granting of the European patent. This addition to the Unitary Patent system represents a significant expansion, providing patent holders with broader market protection and more streamlined enforcement across Europe. In a related development, the third central division of the Unified Patent Court, which replaces the originally planned division in London, will open in Milan on June 26, 2024.
This new division will complement the existing central divisions in Paris and Munich, and cases will be allocated according to their technical field. The Milan division is expected to gradually handle cases falling under patent classification A, which includes pharmaceuticals and other human needs. These changes reflect ongoing efforts to create a more cohesive and efficient patent system within Europe, enhancing the ability of inventors and companies to protect their intellectual property effectively. Keep an eye on these developments to take full advantage of the evolving European patent landscape.
Credit: Ingrid Beránková Ambruzová from AIPEX member firm HARBER IP s.r.o.
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