< Back to latest news & events

UPC

Latest on the Spanish Challenge to the Unitary Patent for Europe

July 2014

The case Spain v Parliament and Council, challenging the validity of the proposed unitary patent regime, was heard on 1 July 2014. As previously reported here, this challenge from Spain is trying to stop the proposed Unitary Patent for Europe.

Spain has chosen not to participate in the proposed unitary patent regime, and is challenging the legality of the supporting Regulations. Spain has made seven arguments against the legality of the Regulations on which the UP and UPC are founded. It has been reported that during the hearing the Commission did not take an overly defensive position regarding the challenge from Spain, but that eight member states, including the UK, all argued in support of the UP Regulations.

The next stage in the process will be the opinion of the Advocate-General, expected on 21 October 2014, with the final decision of the Commission to follow.

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 …

Read article

Can intellectual property and foreign investment save struggling European eVTOL companies?

With the ongoing funding difficulties in the European eVTOL sector, we look at the role that intellectual property is likely to play in the prospects for the survival of Lilium …

Read article

Managing IP EMEA Awards 2025

The shortlist for the 20th annual Managing IP EMEA Awards 2025 has been announced, and it is a record-breaking year for HGF’s European team with an incredible 23 nominations! This …

Read article

Designation of a technical standard as a trademark

EUTMR Article 7 (1) (c) and Article 7 (1) (b) – DASH The designation “DASH” of the technical standard/protocol/format for streaming data on the Internet constitutes a descriptive indication in …

Read article

HGF ranked band 4 in Chambers and Partners Global Guide for Germany in 2025

Chambers and Partners Global Guide 2025 is now live. HGF is proud to be ranked as a firm in Germany. HGF is ranked band 4 for: Germany: Intellectual Property: Patent …

Read article

HGF ranked in The Legal 500 Germany 2025

HGF is proud to be ranked in The Legal 500 Germany 2025 guide. The Legal 500 provides the most comprehensive worldwide coverage on recommended Law firms, Lawyers, Attorneys, Advocates, Solicitors, …

Read article

T 1847/22: Procedural considerations in appeal: Re-ordering of requests and the impact on admissibility

Background This case concerned EP 3 085 344 B1, which relates to a wound pad, a self-adhesive member comprising a wound pad. The patent was opposed by two opponents. During …

Read article