Is the unitary patent pulled into Brexit negotiations?

Michel Barnier during the 12/07/2017 press conference in Brussels

At a press conference by Michel Barnier, Chief Negotiator for the EU, some comments were made about the unified patent court. On the one hand, he mentions that the location of the unified patent court is not part of his negotiating mandate. On the other hand, he also indicates that the location of UPC is being considered, and that it may have to move as a result of the UK's decision to leave the EU. 

I find it difficult to gauge what this could mean for the UPC's prospects. If it is not formally part of the Bexit negotiation, then this might mean that political agreement is needed at some other level? WIPR has an interesting article about it. 

The press conference can be viewed here at the EU website about the brexit negotiations.  The question leading up to the comments about the unified patent court start at 14:00, Barnier's answer about the Unified patent courts starts at 15:35. The link points to the English translation, but other languages are available.

Photo is taken from the European Commission Audiovisual Services






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