Our ratification brings the international court one
step closer to reality.
The Agreement on the Unified Patent Court (UPC) is an international
treaty. The international court will have jurisdiction
over patent disputes across its contracting states.
It will deliver a single judgment in cross-border
disputes between private parties over patents granted
under the current intergovernmental system.
This system is administered by the European Patent
Office, who are responsible for granting future Unitary
Patents.
The UK became a signatory to the Unified Patent Court
Agreement in February 2013. For the court to come into
being, thirteen Member States must ratify the
agreement. This includes the UK, France and Germany,
France has already ratified in early 2014.
Intellectual Property Minister, MP said:
The UK is overflowing with innovative businesses,
with pockets of this innovation spread up and down
the country. These businesses are the lifeblood of
local economies by boosting income and creating jobs.
Ratification of this important Agreement demonstrates
that internationally, as well as at home, the UK is
committed to strong intellectual property
protections. This will help to foster innovation and
creativity, bringing our modern and ambitious
Industrial Strategy to life.
Innovative businesses will benefit significantly from
the Unified Patent Court. It removes the requirement to
assert rights before the court system of each state.
The unique nature of the proposed court means that the
UK’s future relationship with the Unified Patent Court
will be subject to negotiation with European partners
as we leave the EU.
Ratification of the UPCA will
keep the UK at the forefront of influencing the
international system.
