The European Patent Convention (EPC) provides an opposition procedure which allows for the validity of granted European patents to be challenged centrally. For businesses concerned about third party patent rights, the procedure offers a cost effective tool for contesting problematic patents. However, an opposition must be filed at the European Patent Office (EPO) within nine (9) months of the date of grant of the patent in question and therefore it is important that businesses keep an eye on the patenting activities of at least their main competitors.

Our patent attorneys are experienced advocates before the EPO Opposition Divisions and Boards of Appeals and have been recognised for their expertise by Legal 500.