Category Archives: Patent Law

Unified Patent Court (UPC): Opt-Out Strategy for Granted European Patents and European Patent Applications

Posted on June 4, 2023 by Dr. Dirk Franke

The Unified Patent Court (UPC) is a central European court, which has become competent for granted European patents and European patent applications. For a transitional period of 7 to 14 years, the granted European patents will remain within the jurisdiction … Continue reading →

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Unitary Patent System: Start of the Transitional Measures on January 1, 2023

Posted on January 11, 2023 by Dr. Dirk Franke

The President of the Court of Appeal of the Unified Patent Court (UPC) and the Chairman of the Administrative Committee of the UPC recently announced that the transitional measures for the introduction of the Unitary patents will start on January … Continue reading →

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GPTO: Increase of Official Fees on May 1, 2022 and July 1, 2022

Posted on April 2, 2022 by Dr. Dirk Franke

The German Patent and Trademark Office (GPTO) will increase on May 1, 2022 and July 1, 2022, respectively, the annuity fees for patents and supplementary protection certificates (SPCs). Annuity fees can be paid one year in advance at the GPTO. … Continue reading →

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Cambodia: Validation Agreement Enters into Force

Posted on March 15, 2017 by Dr. Dirk Franke

The European Patent Office (EPO) announced in a recent press release that the agreement between the Royal Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia (KH) and the EPO on the validation of European patents was signed on January 23, 2017. With … Continue reading →

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Andorra: New Patent Law and Possible Validation Agreement With EPO

Posted on June 22, 2016 by Dr. Dirk Franke

Andorra is currently negotiating an agreement with the European Patent Office (EPO) for the validation of European patents in this country, as well as to become a member state of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). Both agreements may enter into … Continue reading →

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Brexit: Impact on European Patents, Trademarks and Designs

Posted on June 19, 2016 by Dr. Dirk Franke

On June 23, 2016, a referendum will be held in Britain to decide whether or not Britain should leave or remain in the European Union (EU). In the event of a majority voting for a “leave” (“Brexit“, a portmanteau combining … Continue reading →

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Artur Fischer: One of the Greatest Inventors of all Times Died at Age of 96

Posted on January 29, 2016 by Dr. Dirk Franke

As Spiegel Online reported today, inventor Artur Fischer died on  January 27, 2016 at the age of 96. This is very sad news as Artur Fischer was arguably the greatest innovator and one of the greatest businessmen of post-war Germany. … Continue reading →

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Moldova: Validation Agreement Enters into Force

Posted on January 14, 2016 by Dr. Dirk Franke

The European Patent Office (EPO) announced in a recent press release that the agreement on the validation of European patents between the EPO and the Republic of Moldova has entered into force on November 1, 2015. With the recognition of … Continue reading →

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Greece: Implications of the Capital Controls and the Referendum for the Proprietors of IP Rights in Greece

Posted on July 4, 2015 by Dr. Dirk Franke

On 28 June, the Greek Government imposed capital controls in the latest development in the country’s financial crisis. The capital controls will considerably restrict the flow of capital within the Greek banking sector and will be maintained at least until July … Continue reading →

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Morocco: Validation Agreement Enters into Force

Posted on March 11, 2015 by Dr. Dirk Franke

The European Patent Office (EPO) has announced in a recent press release that the agreement on the validation of European patents between the EPO and Morocco will enter into force on March 1, 2015. With the recognition of the EPC, … Continue reading →

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