Preparing the Unitary Patent System: Miriam Kiefer LL.M. holds the opening lecture for an online seminar series organized by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)

After lengthy discussion, the Unitary Patent (UP) and Unified Patent Court (UPC) are finally expected to start in the first half of next year. At invitation of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), Miriam Kiefer LL.M. held the opening lecture on the Unified Patent Court proceedings. The seminar series has generated a great interest among Japanese companies, with around 170 participants attending.

The three scheduled lectures focus on the procedural aspects of the proceedings before the Unified Patent Court and are primarily aimed at japanese patentees to consider their future filing and litigation strategies.

In her presentation, Miriam Kiefer LL.M. specifically addressed the general structure of the UPC and the usal course of the proceedings, including substantive law in the UPC Agreement and the language regime. She concluded her presentation with thoughts on the pros and cons of the opt-out. Numerous questions from the audience confirmed the great interest.

The seminar series will continue in September with Dr. Christof Augenstein.

The second lecture will focus on the general procedural rules as well as on the details of the proceedings, including but not limited of the importance of the interim proceedings. Finally, the third lecture in October will focus on special types of proceedings, as for example judgment by default, preliminary injunction proceedings and isolated nullity revocation actions, and will be concluded with comments on the costs of the proceedings.

All lectures will be held and recorded in English. Simultaneous translation into Japanese will also be available for participants.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW:

Tuesday, 20 September, 2022 – From the Statement of Defence to the Interlocutory Proceedings to the Oral Hearing

Speaker: Dr. Christof Augenstein

Language: English (simultaneous translation into Japanese)

Time: 9:00-11:00 (BST)/ 10:00-12:00 (CET)/ 17:00-19:00 (ST), via ZOOM

Tuesday, 4 October, 2022 – Special Types of Proceedings and Costs of Proceedings

Speaker: Dr. Christof Augenstein

Language: English (simultaneous translation into Japanese)

Time: 9:00-11:00 (BST)/ 10:00-12:00 (CET)/ 17:00-19:00 (ST), via ZOOM

Earlier in June, Miriam Kiefer LL.M. gave a preparatory overview of patent law reform in Germany in a 90-minute presentation.. “In the subsequent discussion on the development of case law at the instance courts, the importance of the reform for companies was reflected and discussed with the participants,” said Miriam Kiefer.

JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization), was established in 1958 by the Japanese Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) to support and promote Japanese export efforts. In the 21st century, JETRO’s focus has shifted to promoting foreign direct investment in Japan and helping small to medium-sized Japanese companies maximize their global export potential. JETRO has 76 overseas offices in 55 countries worldwide and 48 offices in Japan, including headquarters in Tokyo and Osaka. In Germany, JETRO has three offices in Berlin, Düsseldorf and Munich.