The European Patent Office (EPO) announced that Romania will join the Unitary Patent System (UP System) on September 1st 2024. This follows Romania's deposit of its instrument of ratification for the Agreement on a Unified Patent Court (UPCA) on May 31, 2024.
The Unitary Patent System offers a streamlined process for applying for and maintaining patents across participating European countries. With Romania's accession, the number of participating EU member states increases to 18.
Key Points for Inventors:
- Effective Date: Patent applications granted unitary effect from September 1st 2024 onwards will automatically be valid in Romania.
- Expanded Market Coverage: This grants inventors protection in a market of 19 million people.
- Potential Cost Savings: The UP System offers a centralized approach for patent administration, which may lead to reduced costs compared to managing individual national procedures.
Additional Information:
The EPO will be offering flexibility to inventors by accepting requests to delay the registration of unitary effect. This allows inventors to strategically time their patent protection to benefit from Romania's inclusion in the system.
The Unitary Patent System has seen significant adoption in its first year. Romania's accession is expected to further contribute to the system's growth and its goal of providing a more efficient and cost-effective way to protect inventions across Europe.
For more details on the UPC, please visit our dedicated UPC section here: Unified Patent Court (UPC) Information