Today, following the Administrative Committee’s meeting on 6 May, the Unified Patent Court (UPC) announced the appointment of the three judges appointed for life who will make up the panel of judges of the Milan Central Chamber, including Italian Justice Andrea Postiglione.
“We are particularly pleased with this decision,” said Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs Tajani, “which is a further step towards the full implementation of the decision to establish a Section of the UPC’s central seat in Milan.”
“This section will be called to decide on litigation related to international patents of the so-called class A, i.e. ‘human necessities’, in which the pharmaceutical, phytosanitary, agro-industrial and fashion sectors are included. All are key sectors for the competitiveness of the Italian and European economy.”
“After the conclusion of the Seat Agreement between Italy and the UPC, which was signed at the Farnesina last January and is currently in the process of parliamentary ratification, the appointment of an Italian justice confirms Italy’s commitment and recognition of its role in this important European court,” the Minister added.
The appointment of the panel of judges is one of the last steps necessary for the central chamber in Milan to become fully operational. The inauguration of the Court is expected on 26 June next year; by that date, the 12-month period envisaged by last year’s decision of the Administrative Committee of the UPC will have elapsed.
