EFPIA response to launch of unitary patent system in Europe

On June 1, a new unitary patent system came into effect in Europe. The system allows inventions to be protected by a single unitary patent in 17 European Union countries.

Currently, the countries participating in the unitary patent system include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, and Sweden.

Speaking about the impact on the pharmaceutical industry, Nathalie Moll, director general of trade group the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA), said: “EFPIA welcomes the Unitary Patent system as it is  intended to help businesses, including Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs), to minimize their costs and administrative burdens of patent protection in Europe. As a result, the Unitary Patent system is expected to stimulate research, development and investment in innovation, as well as to help to boost growth and competitiveness in Europe.”