The UPC Is Redefining Standard Essential Patent Disputes in Europe
Europe’s approach to Standard Essential Patent (SEP) enforcement has entered a new phase with the rise of the Unitary Patent Court (UPC). Since becoming operational in June 2023, the court has rapidly moved from an experimental framework to a high-volume litigation venue, handling hundreds of cases across participating EU states. For SEP holders, the change is profound. Historically, enforcing SEPs in Europe required parallel litigation in multiple national courts—an expensive, time-consuming process often producing inconsistent outcomes. The UPC replaces this fragmentation with a single forum capable of issuing decisions and injunctions that apply across up to 18 EU member states. This structural shift coincides with strong growth in Unitary Patents. Grants surged in 2024 following widespread conversion of existing European patents, creating large portfolios that are instantly enforceable on a pan-European basis. For SEP owners, this translates int...