To embed, copy and paste the code into your website or blog: The new unitary patent system and the harmonized jurisdiction of a new Unified Patent Court will improve patent protection for patent owners in Europe. On December 18, 2020, Germany cleared the path for the European Unitary Patent System, which is expected to launch early 2022. Germany was the last European state whose ratification was required. In November 2020, the German Bundestag approved the introduction of a European Unitary Patent (UP) and a Unified Patent Court. On December 18, the German Bundesrat agreed. (The German President still needs to sign the law before it comes into effect, however, this action is deemed to be a formality.) Germany will subsequently inform the Council of Europe Secretariat of the ratification, and the Unified Patent Court can then be established.