Aim of the EPLC

The Academy of European Law (ERA) and Maastricht University (UM) have come together to develop an attractive offering of professional training in a joint curriculum for patent attorneys wishing to appear before the Unified Patent Court (UPC).

This cooperation project was launched with the entry into force of the Protocol on Provisional Application of the UPC Agreement on 19 January 2022, which marked the birth of the Unified Patent Court as an international organisation.

ERA, as a renowned provider of professional training in EU law, and UM, as an international university of excellence, will offer a high-standard course giving patent attorneys the best tools to understand the legal framework and procedural rules necessary to litigate before the UPC.

This course leads to the appropriate qualification for European patent attorneys (who are entitled to act as professional representatives before the EPO in accordance with Article 134 EPC) to represent parties before the Unified Patent Court according to Article 48 AUPC.

Almost half of the course will be organised online. Participants can work using their own devices at home or in their offices. This will be reinforced by several short stays in Trier, during which participants will undergo intensive face-to-face training comprising interactive and practical exercises. After successfully passing online and oral examinations, the participating patent attorneys will be awarded a certificate.

The European Patent Litigation Certificate (EPLC) is designed specifically for European patent attorneys in light of the particular needs of the profession. The course is also open to lawyers in private practice and other groups who need a training on the Unified Patent Court and the Unitary Patent legal framework.

Calendar of face-to-face activities:

Trier & Luxembourg, 25-26 September 2024

Trier, 10-14 February 2025

Trier, 12-16 May 2025

Date of examination:

Trier, 16 May 2024