Romania will officially join the Unitary Patent System on September 1, 2024, after depositing its instrument of ratification on May 31, 2024. This development expands the system to 18 participating EU Member States, further streamlining patent protection across Europe. The Unitary Patent System, launched on June 1, 2023, aims to simplify the process of obtaining and maintaining patents by offering a unified procedure and reducing translation requirements.
Romania’s inclusion will benefit businesses and inventors by providing broader and more cost-effective patent coverage. The European Patent Office (EPO) has welcomed this move, emphasizing its significance in strengthening the European patent system and fostering innovation.
The Unitary Patent System offers numerous advantages over the traditional European Patent system, including simplified patent protection across multiple EU countries through a single application. It also introduces a unified litigation procedure via the Unified Patent Court (UPC), ensuring consistent enforcement of patent rights across participating states.
Romania’s accession is expected to stimulate local innovation and economic growth by making it easier for businesses and inventors to secure patent protection. Additionally, it will attract foreign investment as companies can include Romania in their Unitary Patent coverage without extra administrative steps.
This expansion reflects ongoing efforts to create a more integrated and efficient European patent landscape, aligning with the EU’s goals to support innovation and enhance competitiveness.
