Romania Joins Unitary Patent System, Expanding European Patent Coverage

Effective 1 September 2024, Romania will officially join the Unitary Patent system, marking a significant expansion of this streamlined patent protection framework. This move comes after Romania deposited its instrument of ratification for the Agreement on a Unified Patent Court (UPCA) with the Council of the European Union on 31 May 2024. With Romania's accession, the Unitary Patent system will extend its coverage to 18 EU Member States, reaching an additional market of approximately 19 million people.

EPO President António Campinos highlighted the significance of Romania’s timely ratification, aligning with the first anniversary of the Unitary Patent system, which was launched on 1 June 2023. Campinos emphasized the benefits this system offers to Romania’s innovative businesses and its importance for broader European economic integration.

The Unitary Patent system, designed to simplify patent procedures and reduce costs, allows inventors to manage their patents centrally through the European Patent Office (EPO). Since its inception, the EPO has processed nearly 27,700 Unitary Patents, making the system particularly attractive to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking efficient and uniform patent protection across Europe.

To accommodate the inclusion of Romania, the EPO will offer users the option to delay the registration of unitary effect, ensuring that patents can benefit from the broader territorial scope including Romania from September 2024.