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The UPC has opened its doors! See the latest updates and advice on the UPC here.

June 2023

The European patent system has had the biggest change in a generation – on 1 June 2023 the Unified Patent Court (UPC) and a new “unitary patent” or “European patent with unitary effect” (UP)  became a reality.

To ensure our clients are prepared for this change, this page will be regularly updated and will provide helpful, relevant and up to date news on the UPC and UP.

See our latest updates below:

If you have any additional questions or require further advice before making your decision, please contact us at [email protected] or speak to your usual HGF representative.

 

Latest updates

The EPO Board of Appeal comments on the scope of the morality exclusion from patentability

The recent decision, T1553/22 of the Board of Appeal required the Board to consider the scope of the exclusions from patentability under Article 53(a) EPC. The invention in this case …

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PRESS RELEASE: HGF Announces Promotion of Nine New Partners Following CBPE Investment

HGF is proud to announce the promotion of nine new partners across the firm, marking a significant milestone following private investment from CBPE in October 2024. These promotions follow the …

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HGF named as Intellectual Property Firm of the Year (Leeds) at the Legal Insider Awards

We are proud to announce that HGF has been recognised as the Intellectual Property Firm of the Year – Leeds 2025 – by the Legal Insider! This acknowledgment is a …

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Event - 3rd June 2025

Salzburg Seminar: Patents, trademarks, intellectual property rights – how startups can act strategically

Young companies make many important decisions during the start-up phase. One of the most important questions is: How do I deal strategically with innovations, ideas, and brand development? Those who …

Event details

IP Ingredients: Why are food tech patent applications in Europe falling?

Number of European patent applications and grants in Food Chemistry In March 2025 the European Patent Office (EPO) published its Patent Index 2024 – an analysis of the number of …

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Re-defining Design Protection in the European Union – What it means for your business

On 1 May 2025, the first phase of the European Union’s long-anticipated design law reforms come into effect, with the second phase of changes being brought in on 1 July …

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HGF partners with Rowan Patents to drive innovation in patent drafting

HGF has partnered with Rowan Patents, now part of Clarivate, to enhance and streamline our patent drafting process to continue delivering superior client service. With a continued focus on innovation …

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