THE UNITARY PATENT COURT (UPC) APPROACHES!
The EPO has set the start date of the transition to the UPC to begin on January 1, 2023.
As of that date, patent applicants may file early requests for unitary effect and can request a delay in issuing the decision to grant a European patent.
These measures will be in place until the Unitary Patent Protection system is operational, which is expected to be on April 1, 2023.
IP SERVICE WORLD IS CALLING
Ok, I know that IP Service World isn’t exactly on-topic when talking about IP and finance, but it’s the last major IP event of the year and it’s in Munich (an awesome city) – so get over it.
The event will be held at the Holiday Inn Munich City Center from November 21st to 22nd. According to the website, they expect to have more than 700 registrants and 70+ exhibitors.
If you are just learning about this for the first time, the logistics of getting to Munich over the weekend could be a bit daunting, but they do have an online option.
If you are in Europe and in the market for a new IP solution or service, this is a great show – everyone is there, and most of the vendors do presentations.
While in Munich, check out the Christmas markets at Marienplatz. They will open starting on the 21st and have some great Glühwein.
Fee increases!
Ok, we need to wrap up with something financial
Effective January 1, The fee for Madrid Protocol trademark applications designating Colombia are being increased to 243 francs for one class and 121 francs for each additional class. Renewals will be 132 francs for the first class, 65 francs per additional class.
