The start of all UPC system and Sunrise Period has been postponed for two months. Previously the initial UPC roadmap showed that 1 January 2023 would be the beginning of the Sunrise Period, with an entry into force of the UPC Agreement on 1 April 2023. According to the latest UPC Preparatory Committee update, UPC Agreement will enter into force on 1 June 2023. Three- months Sunrise Period will start on 1 March 2023.

Two months delay has been implemented to give users more time to prepare for the UPC’s Case Management System. The UPC stated: “The additional time is intended to allow future users to prepare themselves for the strong authentication which will be required to access the Case Management System (CMS) and to sign documents. Users will need to equip themselves with both a client authentication (hard device) and a qualified electronic signature”.

All other preparatory work for the UPC System (not counting the mentioned IT system) is on track and in line with the published roadmap, according to the UPC.

Patent owners should use this additional two months period to finish their preparation works for opt-out requests.