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ISSUE 1 2014
MASCHIO & SOAMES IP LTD
Importantly, suitably qualified patent attorneys will have rights of audience before the Unified Patent Court. Such an arrangement will provide clients with a continuity of expertise throughout both patent prosecution and then litigation. That is, the same expert
who has gained a thorough knowledge and understanding of the patent technology during the prosecution of the patent application will be able to use this expertise during the litigation procedure. Moreover, the expensive multi-national litigation teams required for cross-border litigation today will no longer be essential. This has potential advantages for patent proprietors and competitors alike, reducing the cost of high quality litigation.
Summary...
The implementation of the Unitary Patent ushers in exciting times for both businesses and patent attorneys alike. Changes in patent filing strategies are necessary in order to maximize the cost effectiveness of using the system. Patent attorneys will now be able to provide their clients with full continuity of service during both prosecution and litigation of patents, which will inevitably result in a simpler, more cost effective route to obtaining and enforcing patents.
The infamous curse of “may you live in interesting times” may also be seen as a blessing. It is just a question of perspective. At Maschio & Soames IP, we intend to be ready for the Unitary Patent.
Suitably qualified patent attorneys to have rights of audience
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