Germany has ratified the UPC Agreement

This was the final missing piece of the puzzle!

Germany’s ratification of the UPC Agreement on 17 February 2023 was the last expected step. It triggers the countdown for the launch of the unitary patent jurisdiction (UPC) and of the unitary patent system (UP) which will happen on 1 June 2023.

It also launches the start of the « sunrise period » on 1 March 2023, during which proprietors of European patents without unitary effect shall be able to avoid the competence of the UPC by filing a request for opting out, commonly referred to as an opt-out.

Our teams are available for any further information and advice on the forthcoming changes and on the various actions to be considered.