UK Patent Attorneys able to represent clients before the European Unified Patent Court

It has been confirmed that European patent attorneys having a relevant UK qualification will be able to represent clients directly before the Unified Patent Court. All of Williams Powell's patent attorneys have the relevant qualifications and will therefore be entered on the list of representatives.

As previously reported, the new UPC system is expected to come into force soon, possibly this year. The UPC will be a common European Patent Court intended to provide judgements regarding the infringement and validity of European patents in the states that have signed up to the agreement.

The Rules on the European Patent Litigation Certificate have always set out certain UK qualifications that would enable representation by UK-based European Patent Attorneys. However, until these were formally adopted, there was a small risk that they could change in view of the UK's withdrawal from the UPC system due to Brexit. We are pleased to confirm that these Rules have now been formally adopted without change (as reported here).

Williams Powell's patent attorneys have a great deal of experience in litigation as well as European Patent Office opposition and appeal proceedings in a range of technical areas. These skills will transfer to running litigation at the UPC. We would be glad to discuss strategies and approaches with you - please do not hesitate to get in contact if you have questions or issues.