The 3rd edition of the Unitary Patent Guide

[17/12/2024]

The European Patent Office (EPO) has just published the 3^rd edition of its “Unitary Patent Guide”.

This guide presents in particular the proceedings before the EPO for requesting unitary effect once a European patent has been granted.

The new edition incorporates the changes that have taken place since the unitary patent system came into force 18 months ago, with the accession of Romania, and details additional aspects, in particular:

• The request for re-establishment of rights in respect of the period for requesting unitary effect (B.VI)
• Questions of representation before the EPO and powers of attorney for proceedings relating to the unitary patent (G.II)
• The possibility of filing a request to delay the registration of unitary effect together with the request for unitary effect (A.III)
• Use of the online service MyEPO portfolio

This 3r^d edition of the guide will be the last, as it will be replaced in April 2025 by specific Guidelines relating to unitary patents.