University diploma "Patent Litigation in Europe" hybrid training

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Registration for the 2025-2026 academic year opens on May 5.

Training system(s): Continuing education

Teaching language(s) : English

Teaching methods: Hybrid (face-to-face and online)

Objectives

CEIPI's University diploma "Patent Litigation in Europe" is a professional training program for patent professionals wishing to deepen and update their knowledge of comparative and regional patent law and patent litigation.
With a resolutely international and European profile (in speakers and participants), CEIPI's diploma offers immersion in systemic aspects and the latest practices in patent litigation.
The University Diploma in European Patent Litigation was co-founded by the Institute of Professional Representatives before the European Patent Office (epi).

Teaching objectives
The aim of this course is to provide training in European patent litigation. In this context, participants will acquire in-depth knowledge of :

  • patent litigation procedures in Europe
  • the forthcoming centralized procedure before the Unified Patent Jurisdiction (JUB)
  • ancillary rules of procedure (RoP)
  • and pleading before the Unified Patent Jurisdiction.

Patent litigation concerning infringement and validity are at the heart of the diploma, but the program goes beyond this to cover other relevant topics. These include competition law, alternative dispute resolution and private international law. Other related intellectual property titles, such as supplementary protection certificates, are also given special treatment. The aim is to present both traditional topics relevant to patent litigation, such as remedies and damages, as well as contextual aspects affecting patent litigation.

This course is limited to patents and does not cover other areas of intellectual property.

Skills to be acquired
On completion of the course, participants will be able to :

  • advise clients on enforcing and defending European patents
  • represent parties before the JUB when the unified jurisdiction comes into force (if they have previously obtained the EQE and are qualified attorneys).

The benefits of training

The program has been adapted to meet the requirements of the draft curriculum for the European Patent Litigation Certificate (Rules on the European Patent Litigation Certificate and other Appropriate Qualifications pursuant to Article 48(2) of the Agreement on a Unified Patent Court). It will therefore be of particular interest to patent attorneys wishing to become European patent litigators. It covers all the fundamental European laws and conventions relevant to patent litigation.

The program emphasizes the practical aspects of litigation. The vast majority of lecturers are judges, lawyers and patent attorneys with extensive litigation experience. The lectures are based on an in-depth analysis of case law through practical exercises, case studies and a mock trial. The latter takes up two days of the program, and also involves teamwork in the preceding modules.
Reference documents are progressively put online to enable participants to prepare for the content of each module in advance.

Admission

Recruitment criteria

Participants may be :

  • attorneys before the European Patent Office (EPO) with experience before EPO Boards of Appeal and/or national patent litigation courts (as representatives of parties, experts or private or court-appointed judges)
  • lawyers or academics with proven knowledge and experience in patent law.

Participants who do not meet these requirements may be accepted on the basis of a proven track record in patent drafting and/or litigation.

Apply

Candidates must complete an online pre-registration form.

Enrolment is closed. Application campaign 2024-2025: May 20 to September 22, 2024

Tuition fees 2024-2025

(Subject to approval by the university board of directors)

  • First-time registration fee for continuing education: 4 160€ (including university fees)
  • Re-registration fee for continuing education diploma:  1 390€ (including university fees)

Mandatory prerequisites

Participants must be familiar with the European Patent Convention and related issues.

Examination success rate

Session 2017-2018 = 100%

Session 2018-2019 = 100%

Session 2019-2020 = 100%

Session 2020-2021 = 100%

Teaching programs 2024-2025

  • Module 1 - October 11-12, 2024: European Law, Private International Law, and Patents (I) (on site)
  • Module 2 - November 8-9, 2024: European Law, Private International Law, and Patents (II) (hybrid)
  • Module 3 - December 6-7, 2024: Patent Litigation and Competition, Supplementary Protection Certificates, and Global Patent Litigation Strategies (online)
  • Module 4 - January 10-11, 2025: European Patent Enforcement (I): Evidence and Preservation of Evidence (hybrid)
  • Module 5 - February 7-8, 2025: European Patent Enforcement (II): Injunctions and Damages (hybrid)
  • Module 6 - March 7-8, 2025: The Unified Patent Court (I) (hybrid)
  • Written Exam - March 22, 2025 (online)
  • Module 7 - April 11-12, 2025: The Unified Patent Court (II) (hybrid)
  • Module 8 - May 16-17, 2025: The Unified Patent Court (III) (hybrid)
  • Module 9 - June 6-7, 2025: UPC Mock Trial - Oral Exam (on site)

or click here

Contact

Head(s) of teaching

Franck Macrez: franck.macrez[at]ceipi.edu

Other contact

Emmanuel Gougé: Director of the University Diploma - Patent litigation in Europe (European Patent Litigation Certificate) at CEIPI, University of Strasbourg, Judge at the Court of Appeal at the Unified Patent Court (UPC)

For all administrative or academic enquiries, please send an e-mail to :

enrolment_du_litigation[at]ceipi.edu or tel. +33 (0)3 68 85 80 27

Insider Perspectives

 

Participants' best quotes

“ I thoroughly  enjoyed the opportunity to take this course and learn about the UPC with such a great group of patent professionals from around Europe. It provided me with a solid basis to build upon when the UCP enters into force. “

Erin Becker, European Patent Attorney, Dörries Franck-Molnia & Pohlman

“A structured and extemely useful introduction to litigation in major European jurisdictions, inlcuding UPC. The high-end lectures come from academia, in-house, law firms and courts so that topics are presented and discussed from all relevant angles.“

Lars Sparre Conrad, Chief Patent Specialist Global IP Litigation, H. Lundbeck A/S

“Very rich program which provides you with a complete view of Patent Litigation accross Europe as well as in-depth knowledge of the UPCA. In addition, the practical exam (Mock trial) ends up being one of the best experiences and educational tools I have ever been involved in. Definitely a « must » for anyone willing to prepare himself for the unitary Patent and the UPC.“

Dámaso Gallardo, IP Consultant, Clarke + Modet

“The course made you think like an « attorney of the world ». If you would like to break down the complex litigation procedures in Europe and the UPC, you should definitely attend. Thank you . “

Konstantina Koriatopoulou, European Patent Attorney, Lytis

“Excellent course, perfectly organised also in hybrid format, with high-level speakers providing their knowledge on patent litigation procedures in Europe and the forthcoming United Patent Court. The perfect training to learn and practice about UPCA and Rules of Procedure, especially in participating in a mock trial“.

Guy Patton, member of board of Appeal, European Patent Office

“A very high quality training, with for example valuable insights from those who drafted the rules of the UPC, or national judges.“

Mathilde Rauline, Head of Greater Europe Patent Litigation, Sanofi

“This training has provided a good knowledge in patent infringement matters at the international level. The lecturers were well-versed judges and attorneys who were involved in the process of UPC and hence they conveyed a good understanding of the UPC logic. The mock trial which was held by judges experienced in patent litigation gave an excellent insight into the proceedings before the UPC. I strongly recommend the training to all interested European Patent Attorneys.”

Karl Riether, IP Counsel, Bruker Biospin GmbH

“The quality of the speakers, the fantastic mock trial and the overall open atmosphere during all classes are just some of the reasons for which signing up for this course was completely worth it. Well done to everyone involve in organizing this course!”

Andrei Lucian Stefan, Team Manager Patent Examiner, European Patent Office

“This training provides an holistic overview about current patent litigation procedures in Europe and the forthcoming centralized procedure before the Unified Patent Court, and further offers the unique opportunity to experience pleading before the Unified patent Jurisdiction in a mock trial.”

 “The CEIPI diploma is the perfect gateway towards the representation before the UPC for European Patent Attorneys.”

“Excellent course! Provides a fuller picture, now with the UPCA coming into effect, of what one can expect, after the grant of an EP patent.”

“I would very much recommend this training.”

Frequently Asked Questions for Prospective Participants to the CEIPI Diploma on Patent Litigation in Europe 2024-2025

Click here to read the FAQS