Now three years on from the launch of the system, this session explores emerging trends and key statistics, alongside in-depth analysis of recent and significant case law. Our speakers also cover critical topics including approaches to claim construction, the evolving application of the doctrine of equivalence, and important jurisdictional issues, including long-arm jurisdiction. The webinar also addresses developments in standard essential patents (SEPs) and FRAND, providing delegates with a focused update on how the UPC is influencing patent strategy across Europe.

Speakers

Partner David Al-Khalili is a European and Chartered Patent Attorney with expertise in electronics, telecommunications, medical devices, and audio/video standards. He advises clients worldwide on patent drafting, prosecution, and contentious matters, and frequently represents them before the EPO and UKIPO in oppositions and oral proceedings. As a registered representative before the Unified Patent Court (UPC), he brings valuable insight into navigating this new forum, alongside experience in standards essential patents and broader IP strategy.

As a Chartered and European Patent Attorney, and representative before the UPC, Samuel Keyes’ practice spans patent drafting, prosecution, and preparation of infringement and validity opinions, with a particular focus on handling oppositions (including appeals) before the EPO. Having entered the patent profession from a previous career in academic research, he now represents clients in the engineering, physics, and computer-science sectors, with particular experience in 4G/5G telecommunications, medical devices, and digital image analysis. For the last seven years, he has divided his time between private practice and a secondment with the in-house patent department of a FTSE 100 company, advising on freedom-to-operate matters. Having acted as a representative in opposition of European patents which are the subject of parallel revocation proceedings before the UPC, and acted before the UPC in respect of such parallel proceedings, the interplay of the EPO and UPC is a subject of particular interest.

Featured as a Rising Star by IPSTARS (Managing IP) in 2024, partner Sophie Slater joined the D Young & Co patent team in 2014 and has a strong technical background in the chemical, physical and biomedical sciences. Experienced in handling opposition and appeal proceedings before the European Patent Office, Sophie also helps clients to obtain supplementary protection certificates (SPCs) and other forms of patent term extension, advising clients on SPC strategies and prosecuting SPC portfolios in Europe for a range of pharmaceutical and plant protection products. Sophie became a registered representative before the Unified Patent Court in 2024.