German government: UPC launch date ‘under review’

Managing IP is part of Legal Benchmarking Limited, 4 Bouverie Street, London, EC4Y 8AX

Copyright © Legal Benchmarking Limited and its affiliated companies 2025

Accessibility | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Modern Slavery Statement

German government: UPC launch date ‘under review’

German-comp.jpg

The three-month sunrise period before the court opens cannot begin until Germany deposits its instrument of ratification

The German government department responsible for triggering the countdown to the Unified Patent Court said a proposed launch date of April 1 was under review.

Germany’s Federal Ministry of Justice (MoJ) told Managing IP it supported the UPC while it attempted to address technology concerns with the electronic case management system (CMS).

“The impact of this work on the launch date of the UPC is under review,” the spokesperson said.

Managing IP understands that UPC organisers could make an announcement regarding start dates in the coming days.

At the moment, organisers are hopeful that a three-month sunrise period, during which users can opt-out their European patents, will begin on January 1 and that the court will open its doors on April 1.

But there has been panic in recent weeks. Numerous users have said they cannot access the CMS or get themselves verified.

After the MoJ deposits its formal instrument of ratification, the sunrise period will start on the first day of the following month.

The MoJ spokesperson added: “Any impact on the timing will be announced promptly on the website of the UPC so that potential users can prepare themselves in good time.”

more from across site and SHARED ros bottom lb

More from across our site

The Getty Images v Stability AI case, which will hear untested points of law, is a reminder of the importance of the legal system and the excitement it can generate
Firms explain the IP concerns that can arise amid attempts by brands to show off their ‘Canadianness’ to consumers
Counsel say they will be monitoring issues such as the placement of house marks, and how Mondelēz demonstrates a likelihood of confusion in its dispute with Aldi
The EUIPO expanding its mediation services and a new Riyadh office for Simmons & Simmons were also among the top talking points this week
David Boundy explains why Pierson Ferdinand provides a platform that will allow him to use administrative law to address IP concerns
Developments included an anti-anti-suit injunction being granted for the first time, and the court clarifying that it can adjudicate over alleged infringements that occurred before June 2023
Griffith Hack’s Amanda Stark, one of our ‘Top 250 Women in IP’, explains how peer support from male colleagues is crucial, and reveals why the life sciences sector is thriving
The case, which could offer clarity on the training of AI models within the context of copyright law, will go to trial in the UK next week
CMS IndusLaw co-founder Suneeth Katarki says he plans to hire a patent team in India and argues that IP should play a major role within full-service firms
Partners at the firm explain why they’ve seen more SEP cases at the ITC, and why they are comfortable recommending the forum to clients
Gift this article