Unitary patent (Switzerland and Liechtenstein)
1978 treaty between Switzerland and Liechtenstein / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The unitary patent for Switzerland and Liechtenstein is a patent having a unitary character over the territories of Switzerland and Liechtenstein. It can either be a national patent, or a European patent granted under the European Patent Convention (EPC) and having a unitary character pursuant to Article 142(1) EPC.[3] The unitary patent "may only be granted, transferred, annulled or lapse in respect of the whole territory of protection," i.e. for both Switzerland and Liechtenstein.[4]
Treaty between the Swiss Confederation and the Principality of Liechtenstein on Patent Protection | |
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Signed | 22 December 1978 (1978-12-22) |
Location | Vaduz |
Effective | 1 April 1980 |
Expiration | Concluded for an unlimited period of time.[1] |
Signatories | 2 |
Parties | 2 |
Language | German[2] |
The special agreement establishing this unitary patent is the Treaty between the Swiss Confederation and the Principality of Liechtenstein on Patent Protection of 22 December 1978, which entered into force on 1 April 1980. This special agreement is also a regional patent agreement within the meaning of Article 45 PCT.[5] Amongst the bilateral treaties concluded between Switzerland and Liechtenstein in the field of patents, the Patent Treaty of 22 December 1978 is considered to be the most important one.[6]
A European patent may only be granted jointly in respect of Switzerland and Liechtenstein, following a joint designation under Article 149 EPC.[5][7] The unitary patent for Switzerland and Liechtenstein was the only unitary patent under Article 142(1) EPC in force until 2023,[8] when the unitary patent (applicable in 17 EU member states) regulation entered into force.