To ensure that patentees obtain patent coverage that meets the business’ needs both geographically and economically, it is important to understand how the European Patent (40 EPC countries plus 1 extension and 5 validation states, as of 1 June 2026) and the Unitary Patent (only available to EU Member States) will interact.

Currently, Unitary Patents (UPs) do not cover all 24 participating EU Member States as only 18 EU Member States have ratified the UPC Agreement to date. Outstanding ratifications are likely to take place successively, so there may be different generations of UPs with different territorial coverage. The coverage of a given generation of UP will stay the same for the entire lifetime, irrespective of any subsequent ratifications of the UPC Agreement after the date of registration of unitary effect.

Select from the list of countries below to understand what patenting and enforcement options are available now the UPC is live. Extension and validation states are not shown.