Further to the German Constitutional Court’s decision invalidating the ratification law of the UPC agreement , the German government has announced its intention to move forward with UPC and to vote again the ratification law during this legislative period.

When the German ratification will be effective, only one State’s decision will be required for the Preparatory Protocol to enter into force, followed with the entry into force of the UPC Agreement 6 months afterwards.

This entry into force, together with the long-awaited creation of a unitary patent covering all the countries of the European Union, would foster innovation and economic development in the difficult period which will follow the current health crisis.

For now, the UK’s ratification of the UPC Agreement remains effective despite the Brexit. If the UK finally decides not to participate and officially withdraws its ratification, the UPC Agreement will have to be amended after its entry into force.