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Ireland to hold referendum to ratify UPC Agreement

Published on July 3, 2022 by Alex Driver and Gordon Harris

Ireland to hold referendum to ratify UPC Agreement

When the UPC commences (perhaps in early 2023) 17 countries will likely be taking part. Seven countries have signed the UPC Agreement but not yet ratified it and so may not be taking part at the commencement of the system. One of those countries is Ireland.

This week the Irish government has, in a press release, confirmed its commitment to ratification, and has announced that a referendum in 2023 or 2024 will take place to enable Ireland to do so.  Subject to a successful referendum, Ireland has also committed to the establishment of a local division of the UPC.

Leo Varadkar, the Irish deputy prime minister, and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment says, about the referendum:

“…It’s important to prepare. I’m conscious that it will need a good public information campaign to explain its significance and that takes time, resources and planning.“

The press release also identifies a number of purported advantages to the UPC system. However, as those familiar with the system will know, it does not always lend itself to simple, concise summaries. Mr Varadkar has indicated that the referendum won’t be a standalone one (so the possibility of empty polling booths might be mitigated somewhat!) but it remains to be seen what the level of public interest is in fully understanding the new system and its potential advantages, disadvantages, and how it will fit into the current European patent system. The result of the referendum will be an interesting litmus test of public perception.

About the author(s)

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Alex Driver
Principal Associate - IP team at Gowling WLG | See recent posts

Alex has significant experience in patent litigation and licensing matters in the telecommunications, engineering and tech fields. Much of his experience has been multi-jurisdictional in nature.

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Gordon Harris
Of Counsel - Global IP Leadership at Gowling WLG | View Profile | See recent posts

Gordon Harris is part of the Global IP Leadership Team for Gowling WLG, working across all the firm's offices to help build the practice and develop new specialisms.

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Alex Driver and Gordon Harris

Filed Under: The Unified Patents Court in Europe Tagged With: Intellectual Property, Patents, UPC

Views expressed in this blog do not necessarily reflect those of Gowling WLG.

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LoupedIn is the Official Gowling WLG Blog. Gowling WLG is an international law firm comprising the members of Gowling WLG International Limited, an English Company Limited by Guarantee, and their respective affiliates. Each member and affiliate is an autonomous and independent entity. Gowling WLG International Limited promotes, facilitates and co-ordinates the activities of its members but does not itself provide services to clients. Our structure is explained in more detail on our Legal Information page.

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