PCT & UP Handbook

The PCT & UP Handbook is an exam-oriented reference that covers relevant legal aspects of the Patent Cooperation Treaty and the Unitary Patent system in a single, streamlined volume. Colour-coded references, deadline calculators, and concise bullet-point commentary turn legal provisions, case law developments and procedural rules into an exam-ready, quick reference designed to help candidates excel in the EQE legal papers and in the EPAC examination. Fully aligned with the new eEQE and EPAC formats, the handbook incorporates all legislative amendments and decisions up to November 2025, making it perfectly tailored to the 2026 examinations. The content flows in the same order in which candidates think during an exam. Chapters 1–4 establish the procedural backbone of the PCT: time-limit calculations, legal remedies, fees, and representation. Chapters 5–7 move on to priority, international filing and examination, while Chapter 8 guides candidates through national and regional phase entry and requirements. Chapter 9 rounds off the PCT section with a comprehensive table of all member states and their AG Annexes. Chapter 10 then turns to the Unitary Patent system—outlining the UP, UPC, UPPD and national measures. It sets out legal remedies and fees, lists the conditions for requesting unitary effect, walks through UPC proceedings and the compensation scheme, and concludes with renewal fees, transfers and licences, publication and file inspection.