Today's decision is therefore not an insurmountable obstacle for the UPC. On the contrary, the single patent system could still be launched, albeit with some delay, if the political will exists. However, this is questionable, not least because of Brexit and the UK's decision not to participate in a unitary patent system. For the time being, the unified patent system seems to have been put on hold.
Winfried Tilmann, one of the fathers of the unified patent system and Of Counsel at Hogan Lovells, today commented on the future of the system:
"I believe that both the relevant policy makers and European industry continue to be interested in an effective unified patent system in Europe. The idea of a unified European law with a single court will continue to be viable and even point the way forward, also for other areas of law".
In the meantime, we are well prepared. We defend the innovations of our clients and thus secure their growth even in existing patent systems. Whether our clients come from a traditional industry such as life sciences, telecommunications, automotive or energy or work at an intersection of multiple areas, Hogan Lovells is the right team to find a national, European or global solution.
