Patent disputes do not always have to end up in court. The Unified Patent Court (UPC) now has its own Patent Mediation and Arbitration Centre (PMAC), with seats in Ljubljana and Lisbon. The Centre started operations on 12 May 2026 and was officially inaugurated in Ljubljana on 2 June 2026.
The PMAC offers mediation for patent disputes, and its services will be extended to expert determination and, from autumn 2026, arbitration. It covers disputes concerning European patents, unitary patents and supplementary protection certificates that fall within the competence of the UPC, as well as related disputes, for example on licence agreements or research collaborations. Parties can turn to the PMAC directly, without first bringing an action. The UPC can also refer pending cases to mediation; the first such referral was made on 13 May 2026, one day after the Centre opened. The Centre has particular expertise in licensing disputes concerning standard-essential patents (FRAND).
For companies, the PMAC can be an attractive alternative to court proceedings: the procedures are confidential, flexible and can often be concluded faster and at lower cost. At the same time, they are embedded in the UPC system, which facilitates the enforcement of settlements. Whether mediation or arbitration is the right path depends on the individual case. We will be happy to advise you.
Source: Patent Mediation and Arbitration Centre of the Unified Patent Court
https://www.unifiedpatentcourt.org/en/court/patent-mediation-and-arbitration-centre