Patent protection simpler, more efficient and cheaper
On June 1st the European patent system will be renewed with the introduction of the unitary patent. With a single application, companies can protect the ownership of their innovation and enforce it in 17 EU countries through the European patent court in The Hague.
This makes patent protection simpler, more efficient and cheaper, which makes the Dutch business and innovation climate more attractive.
“This reduces the administrative burden for businesses and makes it easier for entrepreneurs – from internationally operating companies to innovative SMEs and start-ups – to apply for and manage patents.” Minister Adriaansens (Economic Affairs and Climate).
Unified Patent Court in The Hague
European member states are already working together on the granting of patent rights. However, after grant, the retention, management and enforcement of patents is regulated differently in each country. The reform of the European Patent Convention should counteract this fragmentation. The new patent system thus avoids administrative work, separate national procedures and translation requirements. The Unified Patent Court (UPC) will make it possible to enforce patent law in the participating EU member states in a single procedure. In The Hague this will be a local division in The Hague Hearing Centre. Companies can litigate about European patents here in Dutch and English. The proximity of the UPC office in The Hague and the possibility to communicate in Dutch or English makes it easier, especially for innovative SMEs and start-ups, to file a patent lawsuit.
Read the letter to parliament about the start of the Unified Patent Court and the local division of The Hague here.
