Unitary Patent: Simplifying Innovation Protection Across Borders

Understanding the Unitary Patent

The Unitary Patent is a new type of European patent that provides uniform protection across participating EU member states through a single registration process. Instead of validating a granted European patent separately in each country, applicants can now request unitary effect to obtain a single right that is valid in all EU countries participating in the Unitary Patent system.

When to Request Unitary Effect

• A request for unitary effect must be filed within 1 month from the date of publication of the grant of the European patent in the European Patent Bulletin. This is a strict deadline — late filing is not accepted under any circumstances.

How to File the Request

• The request is submitted directly to the European Patent Office (EPO) by the patent proprietor (or their authorized representative). It can be filed electronically via the EPO’s Online Filing 2.0 system or by using the EPO’s online forms. 

Required Documents

• To obtain unitary effect, the applicant must provide:
  • A written request for unitary effect (using EPO Form 7000).
  • A translation of the entire patent specification: If the patent was granted in English, a translation into another EU language is required; if the patent was granted in French or German, a translation into English is required. (These translations are for information purposes only during a transitional period.)
• Details identifying the proprietor and the granted patent, including the publication number.

Examination and Registration

• Once the request is received, the EPO verifies that:
  • The request was filed on time
  • The patent was granted with the same set of claims for all participating states
  • The translation requirements are met
• If all conditions are fulfilled, the EPO registers the unitary effect in the Register for Unitary Patent Protection, which is publicly accessible. The patent then becomes a Unitary Patent with effect in all participating EU member states.

Advantages of the Unitary Patent

• Single annual renewal fee paid to the EPO
• Uniform legal effect across multiple EU states
• Simplified administration—no need for separate national validations
• Centralized enforcement and litigation through the Unified Patent Court (UPC)

EPO Unity Patent Annuities

(The fees were last updated on October 23, 2025. The information is based on the local patent office's database.)