After many years of planning, the EU Unitary Patent System will soon become a reality, allowing all participating States to be bound together in single, indivisible patent.

During a transition period (currently seven years), disputes relating to traditionally validated European patents my be litigated in either the UPC or the national courts of the Member States that have contracted to the UPC Agreement.

The Patent Box is a proposed Government scheme allowing UK companies to reduce the amount of Corporation Tax paid in respect of profits relating to inventions protected by a UK patent or other qualifying European patent.