European patent validation strategies: How to choose the right approach?
European patent validation is an important step, although not necessarily the only one. Without proper validation, a patent has no legal force in any country.
As patent holders, therefore, it must be decided where and how to enforce rights. Choosing the inappropriate strategy, however, can lead to unnecessary costs or weak protection.
This article looks at the major enforcement options and helps to identify the most effective approach to protecting innovation in Europe.
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EPO and Costa Rica Sign Historic Validation Agreement
On December 13, 2024, the European Patent Office (EPO) and Costa Rica's Ministry of Justice and Peace signed a landmark validation agreement, making Costa Rica the first country in the Americas to join the EPO's validation system.
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Romania to join Unitary Patent system on 1 September 2024
The European Patent Office (EPO) has announced that Romania will join to the Unitary Patent system on 1 September 2024. This will bring the total number of EU Member States participating in the Unitary Patent system to 18.
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The European Patent Office will increase its fees as of 1st of April, 2024
The European Patent Office (EPO) has announced an impending adjustment to its fee schedule, set to take effect on April 1st, 2024. This decision to increase fees may impact applicants and patent holders engaging with the EPO. For some of the fees the increase is up to 30%.
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Validation of European patents will be possible in Georgia
The European Patent Office (EPO) has announced that Georgia to be included in a European patent (EP) application as a Validation State.
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What if I miss a patent annuity deadline?
If you miss a patent annuity deadline, it can have significant consequences for your intellectual property rights. Patent annuities are periodic maintenance fees that must be paid to keep a patent in force. Failure to pay these fees on time can result in the abandonment of your patent, which means that your exclusive rights to the invention will be lost. However, in many countries, there are still some alternative ways to keep your patent in force.
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WHAT IS A PATENT ATTORNEY?
IP lawyers or attorneys, also known as patent and trademark or intellectual property lawyers or attorneys, play a vital role in protecting and safeguarding intellectual property rights. These legal professionals possess specialized knowledge and expertise in the complex field of intellectual property law.
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Monetising patents – the economic context
The purpose of patented solutions and pending patents is to enter the realm of the economy – i.e. to be applied in the market in practice. We have collected the degrees of patent rights transfers.
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