What Every U.S. Pharmaceutical Patent Litigator Needs to Know About the Unitary Patent (UP) and the Unified Patent Court (UPC)

October 24, 2023 2:00pm

Liz Cohen
Partner
Bristows LLP

Sarah Fendrick, Ph.D., J.D.
Director, Patent Counsel
Alnylam Pharmaceuticals

Ha Kung Wong
Partner
Venable LLP

Ruud van der Velden
Partner
Hogan Lovells

The introduction of the UP and the establishment of the UPC have far-reaching implications for pharmaceutical patents issued in the U.S. that cannot be ignored. Without an understanding of the UP and the UPC, pharmaceutical patent holders in the U.S. may not be able to globally protect innovations. This undoubtedly would hinder cost savings, as well as compromised streamlined portfolio management and limit alternative enforcement options.

During this session, our global thought-leaders will delve into the intricacies of the UP and the UPC, and explore their significant impact on the global patent ecosystem. Topics of discussion will include:

  • Understanding why U.S. pharmaceutical patent practitioners need to know about the UP and the UPC
  • Exploring the UP and the UPC, including their legal frameworks and operational procedures
  • Evaluating the associated advantages and disadvantages of the UP and the UPC and how they may impact your global patent portfolio
  • Navigating the UPC’s jurisdiction and the potential risks and opportunities associated with litigating in this new court system.
  • Developing offensive litigation strategies for the UPC, as well as defensive strategies if you believe you will be sued in the UPC
  • Understanding the interplay between opposition proceedings at the EPO and validity challenges in the UPC