How to play by the UPC rules

Although procedural matters do not always attract headlines, the clear rules governing steps and requirements for progressing an action in the Unified Patent Court (UPC) are essential. The rules of procedure went through many consultation rounds and drafts. One should not be surprised. Practitioners attach great importance to them. National courts in Europe currently apply the same substantive patent law of infringement and validity, but differences in practice and procedure have a profound effect on where parties choose to sue and the outcomes they achieve.