Launch of Unitary Patent System

Today, 1 June 2023, marks the entry into force of the Unitary Patent system.

Starting today, users can apply for a single Unitary patent – a European patent with unitary effect - through a single procedure, subject to a single renewal fee in a single currency and litigate under a single legal system before the Unified Patent Court (UPC). The UPC, which also commences its operations today, makes a centralised litigation system for patents a reality and allows users to file cases at the European level. Some Member States, including Ireland, have yet to ratify the Agreement on a Unified Patent Court. In Ireland’s case, a referendum must be held and passed before we can participate.