Why this extension is a game changer
Romania joined the unitary patent system on September 1, 2024. This means that a single application to the European Patent Office (EPO) now covers 18 EU countries – a market of around 360 million people and almost 80 % of EU GDP. unified-patent-court.orgsingle-market-economy.ec.europa.eu Romania is an important production and development location in many sectors and is therefore also highly relevant for patent protection.
The states participating in the unitary patent (as of 07/2025)
AT | BE | BG | DE | DK | EE | FI | FR | IT | LT | LV | LU | MT | NL | PT | RO | SE | SI
(Ireland, the Czech Republic, Greece and others already have plans to join, and a full expansion to up to 24 countries is realistic). unified-patent-court.org
What is the unitary patent?
- One request, one renewal fee, one court: with a single request for unitary effect at the EPO, the European patent takes effect in all participating states.
Unified Patent Court (UPC): Infringement and nullity proceedings are conducted centrally before the UPC – fast, bilingual and with a judgment that can be enforced throughout Europe. unified-patent-court.org
Economic advantages at a glance
| Cost factor | Classic EP validation in 18 countries | Unitary patent |
|---|---|---|
| Translations & formalities | per country separately | 1 applicationonly a translation of the patent specification |
| Annual fees years 2-10 | approx. 15 000 €* | 4 995 € (fixed amount) |
| Enforcement | 18 national actions possible | 1 proceeding before the UPC |
*Average value based on national official fees 2024.
Strategic levers for companies
1. cost-benefit optimization
For start-ups and SMEs, saving the costs of national validations is often crucial. Patents can now be protected on a much broader territorial basis without breaking the budget.
2. rapid enforcement against imitators
An injunction from the UPC blocks patent infringers in 18 countries simultaneously – a powerful lever in license negotiations and a sharp sword in securing your monopoly position.
3. portfolio management: combined strategy
Companies can choose the unitary patent for core technologies and, in parallel, protect non-participating countries via classic EP validations
– or continue to rely on national validations and continue to defend their existing European patents nationally for the time being by opting out.
How do I obtain a unitary patent?
Obtaining a European patent: standard examination procedure at the EPO.
Within one month of notification of grant:
- – Submit a request for unitary effect (EPO Form 7000)
– Attach translation of the patent specification (DE/FR/EN → another official EU language)
Pay fees: There are no additional official validation fees; only the renewal fees of the Unitary Patent
Looking ahead
Growing acceptance: over 48,000 unitary patents had already been registered by February 2025 single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu
Reform momentum: With each new accession, the cost benefits increase, while the UPC consolidates its case law and legal certainty continues to grow.
Your next step
Secure your innovative edge before your competitors do.
Let our patent attorneys show you personally whether the unitary patent is the optimal protection strategy for your portfolio – and which combination models are worthwhile.
Arrange a non-binding consultation now – we will clarify your questions, calculate cost savings and take care of the entire application process.
