Judge G. Ambrasaitė-Balynienė has begun her role at the Unified Patent Court, which was established by an agreement signed by EU member states to ensure consistent patent protection.
The Unified Patent Court (UPC) is a joint court established by an agreement among participating EU member states to streamline patent protection across Europe. This court aims to create a standardized legal framework, fostering better enforcement of patent rights and resolving disputes more effectively among member states, thereby enhancing legal certainty for patent holders. Currently, 18 EU countries, including Lithuania, have ratified the agreement creating the UPC, which commenced operations on June 1, 2023.
Judge G. Ambrasaitė-Balynienė emphasized the significance of her appointment, viewing it as a professional acknowledgment that comes with the responsibility to contribute to the development of European patent law that meets high standards. She believes that her role will help strengthen the cohesive nature of patent law across Europe, instilling greater trust in the patent protection system among businesses and innovators.
The UPC comprises a Court of First Instance and an Appeals Court, which are intended to address patent disputes effectively and efficiently. The establishment of the UPC is seen as a vital step towards avoiding patent litigation fragmentation across Europe, allowing for more streamlined and consistent legal processes. G. Ambrasaitė-Balynienė's position in the UPC reflects Lithuania's active participation in this collaborative legal endeavor within the European Union.
