Agenda

With companies in traditionally non-litigious industries such as chemicals, industrial engineering, metallurgy, automotive supply chains and advanced manufacturing facing growing global competition, margin pressure and rapid commoditisation, many are reassessing the role of patent litigation in protecting market position and profitability. Against this backdrop, the UPC has provided a new framework for efficient pan-European enforcement, creating both challenges and opportunities for organisations with limited prior litigation experience. This session explores how new entrants to patent litigation are developing effective UPC strategies, from deciding where and what IP to litigate to building organisational readiness and executing enforcement efficiently.

- Compare how the UPC and national courts can be used to enforce against competitors manufacturing primarily outside Europe, and identify when each forum offers the strongest route to protection. 

 - Assess which forms of IP should be prioritised in an initial UPC enforcement strategy. 

- Understand how companies with limited dispute experience can prepare UPC litigation teams, manage expectations and establish realistic timelines. 

- Examine how traditionally non-litigious organisations are pursuing cost-efficient UPC proceedings without dedicated in-house litigation functions. 

- Learn best practices for navigating management expectations and interacting with internal stakeholders who lack IP experience.  

- Evaluate how to manage customer relationships and commercial expectations in sectors where patent enforcement has historically been uncommon.