Czech practitioners have noted an increase in filing activity on behalf of universities and other research institutions. It is believed that this increased research activity will lead to significant long-term economic growth, employment opportunities and development. While the Czech government has yet to ratify the Unified Patent Court (UPC) Agreement,...

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Czech practitioners have noted an increase in filing activity on behalf of universities and other research institutions. It is believed that this increased research activity will lead to significant long-term economic growth, employment opportunities and development. While the Czech government has yet to ratify the Unified Patent Court (UPC) Agreement, practitioners in the country are keeping a close eye on the latest developments. As IAM has reported, a report commissioned by the Czech IP Office has found that the UPC could have negative consequences for domestic businesses and may present constitutional worries. In 2021 WIPO reported that the country saw 1,288 patents granted, and practitioners are eager to see the change that the UPC will bring to these numbers. The pharmaceutical industry has attracted special government attention for the past two years, as the Czech Office for the Protection of Competition has carried out an investigation into distribution models.

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