A Practical Guide to European Patent Law

This book offers a practical and comprehensive guide to using the European patent system. Focusing on both substantive law and procedure in the United Kingdom and Germany, it sets out an in-depth framework for both of these major jurisdictions in patent litigation. The first part of the book deals with obtaining European patents, and offers an overview of the patent system, discussion of patentability at the European Patent Office (EPO), absolute novelty and the priority system, filing a European patent application, procedural aspects of search and examination, grant and validation, and oppositions. The second part addresses enforcing and attacking European patents in national courts, including an overview of patent litigation in Europe and jurisdictional issues across the member states; this is followed by a thorough comparative survey of patent law in the two most influential jurisdictions, Germany and the UK. Finally, the book addresses the proposed Unitary Patent Court, including the balance between the central division and local or regional divisions. Combining detailed theoretical discussion with expert practical guidance, this is an essential reference source for those seeking to navigate the field of European patent law.