Germany is among the world’s leading patent jurisdictions. However, several years after the implementation of the EU Enforcement Directive, the government felt that the Patents Act (PatG) needed updating. Following lengthy consultations and many changes, the reform bill passed the German federal parliament (Bundestag) very early this morning (June 11, 2021). The second chamber of parliament (Bundesrat) is unlikely to raise further objections, so the new provisions will probably come into force rather sooner than later.

Our recent client alert gives detailed insight into the Patent Act and how it may affect companies doing business in Germany.