On October 6, 2022, it was announced by the UPC (Unified Patent Court) Preparatory team that the entry into force of the UPC Agreement is currently planned for the 1st of April 2023. Even if this date is subject to change, this is the first time that an actual date has been given. The start of this new system means the opening of the doors of the new court, the Unified Patent Court, that will eventually* have exclusive competence over all classic European patents and patent applications, supplementary protection certificates and the new Unitary Patent. The entry into force also means the start of the possibility to obtain a Unitary Patent, a patent covering up to 24 EU member states having ratified the agreement when the request for a unitary effect is made. Before the Court opens its doors, there will be a so-called sunrise period where early opt-outs from the system may be performed. For more information, see:
https://www.unified-patent-court.org/news/latest-state-play-view-launch-unified-patent-court
*After a transitional period
Text: Camilla Mörch