karo IP Blog
Learn more about [Patents and Utility models | Trademarks and Designs | Digital Technologies | IP-Strategy]. More IP News in our [News section].
Since June 2023 unitary patents can be applied for or registered at the European Patent Office (EPO). We have summarized information on the Unitary Patent and the Unified Patent Court in the section Expertise: UPC.
Unified Patent Court: Current developments
Matthias Rößler - 20. July 2023
The Unified Patent Court started its work on June, 1 2023. With the unitary patent, a patent with unitary effect can be granted in 17 EU states. The creation of a unified European patent jurisdiction was preceded by years of intensive discussions.
Opposition against the grant of a patent
Justus Kreuels - 26. January 2023
After a patent has been granted, third parties have the opportunity to file an opposition against a German patent or a European patent within nine months. Continuous monitoring of IP grants is recommended in order to identify, among other things, patents against which an opposition should be filed in good time.
Third Party Observation in European Patent Law
Justus Kreuels - 14. June 2022
Under the European Patent Convention (EPC), any third party may file with the EPO observations to the patentability of an invention which is the subject of a published European patent application if one sees grounds which might prevent the grant of a patent.
The new Patent Law Modernization Act
Matthias Rößler - 30. March 2022
Some of the new provisions in patent law adopted as part of the second Patent Law Modernization Act will come into force on May 1, 2022 - for example, the extension of the time limit for PCT applications. DPMA renewal fees will be increased for patents as of July 1, 2022.
US Patent Law: Patent application in the USA
Justus Kreuels - 18. November 2021
Companies planning to apply for a patent (utility patent) or a design (design patent) in the USA should familiarise themselves with the particularities of US patent law. Filing patents in the USA can be an interesting option, especially since a granted US patent is valid for all US states nationwide.
The importance of patent pending in Germany
Justus Kreuels - 1. June 2021
Products for which a patent application has been filed are often launched before the patent is granted. If the applicant wants to draw attention to the IP right during the examination phase, caution is required, because advertising measures with the indication "patent pending" can be judged as misleading in Germany. What it's all about and how you can put it into practice.
World IP DAY 2021
Matthias Rößler - 26. March 2021
One month from today, on 26 April, World Intellectual Property Day (World IP Day) will be celebrated. Themed "IP & SMEs: Taking your ideas to market", this year's focus is particularly on small and medium-sized enterprises. Why such a holiday is justified and what central role innovation and creativity play.
European Unitary Patent (EU Patent) and Unified Court / The Consequences of Brexit
Matthias Rößler - 20. January 2021
The law on the Unified Patent Court Agreement (UPC) cannot enter into force for the time being. The Federal Constitutional Court will have to rule again on constitutional complaints filed at the end of 2020. There is also still a need for clarification due to Brexit.
Standard-essential patents (SEP)
Matthias Rößler - 20. November 2020
The connectivity of different devices plays a crucial role in the implementation of innovations, especially in rapidly developing technology areas (telecommunications, Internet of Things, ...). Often, this connectivity requires the use of communication standards that are protected by patents, so-called standard-essential patents (SEPs).
Practical tips for creating patent drawings
Matthias Rößler - 8. September 2020
With a patent application at the GPTO, the inventor can optionally also file patent drawings. Patent drawings serve to clarify and explain an invention, its possible embodiments and the prior art. What you need to consider...
Employee Invention: What to consider?
Justus Kreuels - 6. April 2020
A large number of the annual patent applications at the GPTO are employee inventions. The first step is to clarify whether the invention is a service invention or a free invention.
The draft law on the simplification and modernization of patent law
Matthias Rößler - 5. February 2020
The current legal regulations in German patent law are to be adapted. The German Federal Ministry of Justice published a draft for a new patent law in January.
Patent protection for startups and founders
Justus Kreuels - 11. April 2019
With the start of their entrepreneurial activity, start-ups should think about the protection of their intellectual property. Especially for technology-driven young companies, it is important to deal with the various possibilities offered by patent law and related areas of law. After all, the goal is to create a technological and economic advantage over competitors.
The new EU unitary patent compared to the EP patent
Matthias Rößler - 8. August 2018
What are the similarities and differences between the EU unitary patent and the European patent? An overview.
Legal aspects of patent and patent protection in Germany
Matthias Rößler - 13. June 2018
Patent protection in Germany is a complicated matter. This article gives you a short overview concerning the most important legal aspects of patent and patent protection in Germany. Focus lies on the basic legal requirements for patent protection and on the proceedings to apply for patent protection.
Costs of an International Patent
Justus Kreuels - 30. April 2018
This article gives you a short overview regarding the usual costs of an international patent. The actual costs differ strongly from case to case. The article is therefore more a guideline for calculating the costs of an international patent family than a concrete cost example.
FAQ - German utility models
Matthias Rößler - 15. February 2018
Utility models are an often times more easy alternative to patents. This article gives an overview regarding legal requirements of utility model protection and procedural aspects of utility model law.