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Microscope

A has improved the optics of a microscope and wants to protect this invention primarily in the countries of the European Union, Switzerland, and the USA.

Question: What measures can A take to keep the total costs as low as possible and to delay paying the patenting costs for as long as possible?

K has a European patent. A Spanish competitor files an opposition with the EPO within nine months. The EPO limits the patent so that the claims are narrower.

Question: How does the limitation of the patent affect the competitive situation?

R has a European patent for cross-country skis. He is seeking patent protection primarily in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and Norway. However, Estonia and France could also be good sales markets.

Question: How can he proceed to obtain the most cost-effective patent protection in these countries?

The EPO issues a negative search report during the examination procedure. K recognizes that there are some objections to the novelty, but sees opportunities for adaptation.

Question: How should K respond to the search report so as not to jeopardize the grant of the patent?

Question: In which languages can a European patent application be filed?

Question: What options does an applicant have after receiving the search report from the EPO?

Question: What does the “validation” of a European patent mean after it has been granted, and why is it necessary for patent protection?

Question: How is a European patent enforced and maintained after it has been granted? Distinguish between national validation and European patents with unitary effect!

Question: What is a Euro-PCT application?

Question: What information on territorial scope and priority rights can be found on the cover sheets of European patents? What does this tell us about the current territorial scope of the European patent?

Question: How do the effects of an opposition before the European Patent Office differ from those of nullity proceedings in an individual contracting state?