{"id":117948,"date":"2025-11-10T09:39:13","date_gmt":"2025-11-10T09:39:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/?post_type=comparative_guide&#038;p=117948"},"modified":"2025-11-12T15:49:23","modified_gmt":"2025-11-12T15:49:23","slug":"sweden-patent-litigation","status":"publish","type":"comparative_guide","link":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/chapter\/sweden-patent-litigation\/","title":{"rendered":"Sweden: Patent Litigation"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"template":"","class_list":["post-117948","comparative_guide","type-comparative_guide","status-publish","hentry","guides-patent-litigation","jurisdictions-sweden"],"acf":[],"appp":{"post_list":{"below_title":"<div class=\"guide-author-details\"><span class=\"guide-author\">Roschier<\/span><span class=\"guide-author-logo\"><img src=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1\/2019\/07\/Roschier.jpg\"\/><\/span><\/div>"},"post_detail":{"above_title":"<div class=\"guide-author-details\"><span class=\"guide-author\">Roschier<\/span><span class=\"guide-author-logo\"><img src=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1\/2019\/07\/Roschier.jpg\"\/><\/span><\/div>","below_title":"<span class=\"guide-intro\">This country specific Q&amp;A provides an overview of Patent Litigation laws and regulations applicable in Sweden<\/span><div class=\"guide-content\"><div class=\"filter\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t<input type=\"text\" placeholder=\"Search questions and answers...\" class=\"filter-container__search-field\">\r\n\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t<ol class=\"custom-counter\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What is the forum for the conduct of patent litigation?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Sweden&#8217;s Patent and Market Court (the &#8220;PMC&#8221;) handles all first-instance patent cases. Appeals are heard by the Patent and Market Court of Appeal (the &#8220;PMCA&#8221; and, together with the PMC, the &#8220;Patent courts&#8221;). The Patent courts, which are all located in Stockholm, have exclusive jurisdiction over Swedish patents and European patents validated in Sweden. Parties can appeal PMCA decisions to the Supreme Court, but only if both the PMCA and the Supreme Court grant leave to appeal.<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, the Nordic-Baltic Regional Division of the Unified Patent Court (&#8220;UPC&#8221;) is located at the Stockholm District Court and has exclusive jurisdiction in relation to Unified patents and opted-in European patents.<\/p>\n<p>The Patent courts include legally trained judges and technical experts with relevant education and experience in patent disputes. The PMC typically assigns two legal judges and two technical members to each case. The PMCA typically assigns three legal judges and the same number of technical members as sat in the first instance.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What is the typical timeline and form of first instance patent litigation proceedings?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>First-instance proceedings typically take about 1 year from application to ruling. This applies to both infringement and invalidity cases, including when handled in joint proceedings.<\/p>\n<p>The Patent courts can address claim construction alongside invalidity proceedings. If a defendant files an invalidity counterclaim, infringement and invalidity proceedings will typically be heard jointly.<\/p>\n<p>Damages are usually handled in separate proceedings after deciding infringement but can also be handled directly with infringement. However, parties normally settle damages once infringement is established.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Can interim and final decisions in patent cases be appealed?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Either party can appeal both interim and final PMC decisions subject to the PMCA granting leave to appeal. The PMCA typically rules on appeals within 1 year.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Which acts constitute direct patent infringement?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Under the Swedish Patents Act (&#8220;SPA&#8221;), these acts constitute direct patent infringement if carried out without the patentee&#8217;s consent:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>manufacturing, offering for sale, placing on the market (i.e. selling, renting out or giving away) or using patent-protected products, or importing or possessing such products for these purposes;<\/li>\n<li>using a patent-protected method or, if aware that the method may not be used without the patentee&#8217;s consent, offering it for sale in Sweden; and<\/li>\n<li>offering, placing on the market or using products made using a patent-protected method, or importing or possessing such products for these purposes.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Do the concepts of indirect patent infringement or contributory infringement exist? If so, what are the elements of such forms of infringement?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Sweden recognizes the concepts of indirect patent infringement and contributory infringement.<\/p>\n<p>Under the SPA, a party indirectly infringes a patent if it without the patentee&#8217;s consent:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>exploits the invention;<\/li>\n<li>by offering or supplying means for implementing the invention to someone who lacks the right to exploit the invention in Sweden; which<\/li>\n<li>relate to a fundamental element of the invention; if<\/li>\n<li>the party knows or should have known that the means are suitable and intended for implementing the invention.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How is the scope of protection of patent claims construed?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The scope of protection of patent claims has been developed through case law, using the principles in Article 69(1) of the EPC and the Protocol on the Interpretation of Article 69, with descriptions and drawings guiding the interpretation.<\/p>\n<p>The Patent courts apply the doctrine of equivalents on a case-by-case basis. Previously, it was only applied to avoid unreasonable outcomes when limited claim wording unfairly rewarded inventors. Recent case law shows the doctrine is now more established, though still exceptional. Case law has established seven criteria for determining when the doctrine of equivalents applies:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>the infringing invention has the same inventive concept as the patent;<\/li>\n<li>the infringing invention yields the same or smaller technical result than the patented invention;<\/li>\n<li>the skilled person considers the differences between the patent claims and the infringing invention proximate;<\/li>\n<li>the infringing solution equals the patent-protected solution;<\/li>\n<li>low inventive step regarding novelty and inventive step can prevent equivalence;<\/li>\n<li>deliberate restriction of the disputed feature during the application phase can prevent equivalence; and<\/li>\n<li>a disputed feature that the patent identifies as essential to the invention can prevent equivalence.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Prosecution history estoppel exists. The Patent courts can use limitations made during grant proceedings to interpret ambiguities in patent claims and descriptions. The prosecution history may prevent using the doctrine of equivalents because the scope of protection should not be broadened.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the key defences to patent infringement?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The most common defenses to patent infringement are:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>non-infringement, i.e., that the alleged infringing product or process falls outside the patent&#8217;s scope of protection; and<\/li>\n<li>invalidity, i.e., filing a counterclaim requesting revocation of the patent.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the key grounds of patent invalidity?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The Patent courts will invalidate a patent upon request if:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>it was granted to someone not entitled to it;<\/li>\n<li>the patentability conditions were not met;<\/li>\n<li>it covers something not disclosed in the original application;<\/li>\n<li>the application lacks clarity and completeness; and<\/li>\n<li>the scope of protection was extended after grant.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>If a patent is partially invalidated, the Patent courts can limit the scope of protection by amending the patent claims upon the patentee&#8217;s request (see question 10 below).<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How is prior art considered in the context of an invalidity action?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The SPA defines prior art as everything publicly available before the patent application&#8217;s filing date, whether through writing, lectures, use or any other means. Prior art is interpreted in line with the EPC. The skilled person is assumed to have access to common general knowledge as at the priority date. EPO practice is also considered.<\/p>\n<p>Prior art is considered for both novelty and inventive step. The Patent courts can choose which to assess first and the order varies.<\/p>\n<p>To evaluate novelty, it is assessed if prior art describes the patent claim features. Prior art will destroy novelty if it directly and unambiguously discloses the solution characterizing the invention. It is not permitted to combine different documents or descriptions of different embodiments unless specifically referenced. If a document explicitly references another document for specific details, the referenced document is considered included.<\/p>\n<p>The EPO&#8217;s problem-solution approach is applied to assess obviousness.<\/p>\n<p>Prior art is typically assessed as individual references when evaluating inventive step and novelty. For example, the PMC has held that two articles from the same anthology should be considered as two separate references. However, multiple documents may be combined if the skilled person would naturally consult them together, especially if supported by common general knowledge.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Can a patentee seek to amend a patent that is in the midst of patent litigation?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>In (counterclaim) invalidity proceedings, a patentee may request that a patent is maintained with limited scope by suggesting amended claims, as an alternative to total invalidity. Patent claims can be amended if:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>the amended claims are clear, concise and supported by the description;<\/li>\n<li>the amended claims do not cover anything not disclosed in original application;<\/li>\n<li>the amended claims do not extend the scope of protection; and<\/li>\n<li>if the claims are in English, the patentee has submitted a Swedish translation of the amended claims.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>The restrictions must fall within the scope of the patent&#8217;s invalidity, as alleged by the opposing party. The limitations must reduce the scope of protection by amending the patent claims. This may involve merging an independent claim with dependent claims or parts thereof.<\/p>\n<p>Counterparties in the case may oppose and appeal claim limitations, by appealing the judgment in the invalidity action, but third parties cannot intervene and do not have party standing in relation to the claim limitation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is some form of patent term extension available?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Sweden does not offer general patent term extension. However, pharmaceutical and plant protection products may receive extended protection terms for up to five years through Supplementary Protection Certificates (&#8220;SPCs&#8221;). Pharmaceutical products may receive an additional 6 months if deemed suitable for children and paediatric studies have been conducted. Regulatory data protection (&#8220;RDP&#8221;) and market protection (&#8220;MP&#8221;) also extend (at least part of) the exclusivity provided to pharmaceutical patentees.<\/p>\n<p>Third parties can challenge SPC term extensions only by initiating an invalidity action against the SPC or the basic patent upon which the SPC relies.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How are technical matters considered in patent litigation proceedings?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The Patent courts typically consider technical matters through party-appointed expert witnesses. Court-appointed experts are available upon party request but uncommon. Experts typically submit written statements and attend hearings if requested. During hearings, experts normally face cross-examination after initial testimony. Experts owe duties only to the appointing party.<\/p>\n<p>Expert witnesses are normally used in invalidity proceedings and technically complex infringement proceedings, such as pharmaceutical cases involving different substances.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is some form of discovery\/disclosure and\/or court-mandated evidence seizure\/protection (e.g. saisie-contrefa\u00e7on) available, either before the commencement of or during patent litigation proceedings?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Sweden does not provide discovery or disclosure as understood in common law jurisdictions, and saisie-contrefa\u00e7on is not available. Parties have no obligation to introduce evidence that favours the opposing party. However, some similar mechanisms exist.<\/p>\n<p>For patent litigation proceedings specifically, the Patent courts can order an infringement investigation. This involves inspection and seizure of evidence (Sw. intr\u00e5ngsunders\u00f6kning) that can reasonably be assumed to relate to patent infringement, provided the measure is proportionate. Further, if there is probable cause that a patent has been infringed, the Patent courts may issue an information injunction (Sw. informationsf\u00f6rel\u00e4ggande). This requires parties to produce information about the origin and distribution network of goods or services suspected of infringing the patent, including names and addresses of producers, distributors, and suppliers, plus information on quantities produced and prices.<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, the Swedish Code of Judicial Procedure (&#8220;SCJP&#8221;) contains general procedural mechanisms for obtaining information and evidence. Although rarely invoked, parties have an obligation to provide information about documentary evidence they hold if the counterparty requests it. Further, parties can request production of written documents held by other parties (Sw. edition), including electronically stored information. However, fishing expeditions are not allowed. The requesting party must identify requested documents to a sufficient degree, and the documents must have evidentiary value in relation to the party&#8217;s claims. Certain information is excluded from disclosure obligations, such as trade secrets, personal notes and documents subject to legal privilege.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there procedures available which would assist a patentee to determine infringement of a process patent?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Patentees can obtain information to help determine infringement of process patents through the above-mentioned information injunctions, infringement investigations and document production requests.<\/p>\n<p>The Patent courts apply a system where the patentee must first prove the defendant used the patented process. The burden of proof then shifts to the defendant.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there established mechanisms to protect confidential information required to be disclosed\/exchanged in the course of patent litigation (e.g. confidentiality clubs)?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Confidentiality clubs are not available as such, except in UPC proceedings where parties may request that only a limited number of individuals can access confidential information. However, the SCJP and the Swedish Trade Secrets Act protect information constituting trade secrets, which may only be disclosed for exceptional reasons. The Patent courts will assess whether a party&#8217;s interest in obtaining the information outweighs the other party&#8217;s confidentiality interest (including potential damage if disclosed). If disclosure appears likely to cause substantial damage to the trade secret holder&#8217;s business, information is exempted from disclosure. Courts may also issue specific orders restricting parties&#8217; or counsel&#8217;s right to pass on or use confidential information if access is allowed.<\/p>\n<p>Members of the Swedish Bar Association and Swedish patent attorneys are not obligated to produce written documents if their content can be assumed to relate to something entrusted to them in their professional practice or which they learned in connection therewith, unless required by law or the client consents to disclosure.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is there a system of post-grant opposition proceedings? If so, how does this system interact with the patent litigation system?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>A Swedish patent grant can be challenged by filing an opposition with the Swedish Intellectual Property Office (&#8220;SIPO&#8221;) within nine months from the patent grant date. The challenger must prove that patentability requirements are not met on one of the following grounds:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>the invention does not meet patentability requirements:<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>a. the invention is not patentable;<\/p>\n<p>b. the invention lacks novelty or inventive step; or<\/p>\n<p>c. the patent was not granted to the rightful patentee;<\/p>\n<p>2. the invention is not clearly described enough for a skilled person to carry it out; or<\/p>\n<p>3. the patent covers subject matter not disclosed in the original application.<\/p>\n<p>Claims for transferring rights (pursuant to ground 1(c)) must be initiated in court. SIPO&#8217;s decisions are appealed to the PMC.<\/p>\n<p>Invalidity cases may be stayed. For example, if there are parallel EPO opposition proceedings, the Patent courts may await EPO&#8217;s decisions before continuing.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">To what extent are decisions from other fora\/jurisdictions relevant or influential, and if so, are there any particularly influential fora\/jurisdictions?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The Patent courts are not bound by foreign judgments but may consider such rulings at their own discretion. Foreign judgments may impact how the Patent courts evaluate the presumption of validity for interim injunctions. If done, the Patent courts typically refer to rulings from the highest courts in Nordic countries or major patent jurisdictions in Europe such as the UK, Germany and the Netherlands. When considering foreign rulings, the Patent courts focus on the merits of the arguments rather than the outcomes. For example, in one case, the PMCA stated that an SPC grant in another jurisdiction did not affect its evaluation of whether the SPC requirements were fulfilled.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How does a court determine whether it has jurisdiction to hear a patent action?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The Patent courts determine jurisdiction based on Swedish law, EU law and international treaties. Following the CJEU ruling in BSH Hausger\u00e4te v. Electrolux (C-339\/22), the Patent courts will likely find they have jurisdiction in more cross-border disputes concerning infringements of European patents validated outside of Sweden than earlier. It can be noted that the PMCA was the referring national court in the BSH Hausger\u00e4te v. Electrolux case and subsequently overruled the PMC\u2019s dismissal of the national case due to lack of jurisdiction concerning infringement of such patents based on the CJEU ruling.<\/p>\n<p>The Patent courts have so far not issued any anti-suit injunctions to preserve their jurisdiction in patent litigation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the options for alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in patent cases? Are they commonly used? Are there any mandatory ADR provisions in patent cases?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>ADR is rarely used in Swedish patent cases. Patent infringement may be submitted to arbitration, but this is uncommon except for contractual issues such as patent licenses. Patent validity cannot be arbitrated in Sweden other than with only inter partes effect. Mediation is available but uncommon.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the key procedural steps that must be satisfied before a patent action can be commenced? Are there any limitation periods for commencing an action?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Patentees must submit a signed statement of claim, power of attorney for counsel (if applicable), and pay a fixed court fee of SEK 2,800.<\/p>\n<p>The statement of claim shall include:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>a specific request for relief sought;<\/li>\n<li>a detailed statement of the facts relied on in support of the claim;<\/li>\n<li>a statement of the evidence submitted and the facts it proves;<\/li>\n<li>an indication of the circumstances which confer jurisdiction, unless apparent in the pleadings; and<\/li>\n<li>the contact details of the parties and representatives.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Claims for damages become time-barred if proceedings are not initiated within five years from when damage occurred. No limitation period applies to initiating proceedings generally.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Which parties have standing to bring a patent infringement action? Under which circumstances will a patent licensee have standing to bring an action?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Patentees and licensees (both exclusive and non-exclusive) have standing to initiate patent infringement actions. Licensees must notify the patentee before bringing such actions.<\/p>\n<p>The public prosecutor may also bring criminal cases for patent infringement when public interest requires.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Who has standing to bring an invalidity action against a patent? Is any particular connection to the patentee or patent required?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Anyone suffering damage because of a patent has standing to bring an invalidity action. Authorities have party standing if necessary from a public point of view, in which case the public prosecutor will normally handle the case.<\/p>\n<p>Where an invalidity action claims the patent was granted to someone not entitled to it, only the person claiming entitlement may bring the action.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are interim injunctions available in patent litigation proceedings?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Patentees can request interim injunctions if there is a risk that the infringer&#8217;s actions will harm the patentee&#8217;s exclusive right.<\/p>\n<p>To obtain an interim injunction, the patentee must:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>show probable cause that the other party is infringing, or is taking steps to infringe the patent;<\/li>\n<li>show reasonable cause that the infringement is causing damage to the value of the patent; and<\/li>\n<li>unless the court determines otherwise, provide security to the court for loss that may be suffered if courts do not establish infringement.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>To obtain an ex parte interim injunction, the patentee must show that delay would entail a risk of damage, such as irreparable harm or that the other party may quickly obstruct the patentee&#8217;s rights.<\/p>\n<p>The Patent courts rarely grant ex parte interim injunctions, but inter partes interim injunctions are more common. Inter partes proceedings are normally completed within one to three months, while ex parte proceedings can be completed within days or a week.<\/p>\n<p>Security covering the other party&#8217;s potential loss is normally provided as a bank guarantee. The Patent courts will assess whether the security sufficiently covers expected losses. If the interim injunction is lifted or if infringement is not determined, the other party may claim the security to cover its damages.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What final remedies, both monetary and non-monetary, are available for patent infringement? Of these, which are most commonly sought and which are typically ordered?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Patentees may obtain the following remedies for infringement, which can also be combined:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>injunctions (preliminary and\/or permanent);<\/li>\n<li>damages;<\/li>\n<li>market withdrawal and recall of infringing products;<\/li>\n<li>publication of judgment information at the infringer&#8217;s expense; and<\/li>\n<li>seizure of infringing products in the infringer&#8217;s possession and forfeiture of property used in the infringement.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">On what basis are damages for patent infringement calculated? Is it possible to obtain additional or exemplary damages? Can the successful party elect between different monetary remedies?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Patentees are entitled to reasonable compensation for unauthorized use of the patent. The Patent courts generally calculate this as the license fee the patentee could have expected to receive if a license had been granted to the infringer.<\/p>\n<p>Patentees may also receive compensation for further damage caused by infringement. This mainly includes economic damage from lost profits due to reduced sales and lost orders. The Patent courts can also consider the infringer&#8217;s profit, reputational damage to the invention, and moral damages when awarding compensation. Patentees bear the burden of proving incurred damages.<\/p>\n<p>If the best possible investigation has been presented but actual damage cannot be conclusively proven, patentees may request the Patent courts to estimate damages to a reasonable amount.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How readily are final injunctions granted in patent litigation proceedings?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>In Sweden, final injunctions are typically granted when patent infringement has been confirmed and the patentee has requested injunctive relief.<\/p>\n<p>Public interest considerations, proportionality, or similar balancing factors are not commonly addressed in Swedish case law concerning final injunctions. The scope of the injunction usually covers the infringing activity and prohibits its continuation or repetition.<\/p>\n<p>To date, we are not aware of any case law where monetary compensation would have been ordered in lieu of an injunction.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there provisions for obtaining declaratory relief, and if so, what are the legal and procedural requirements for obtaining such relief?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The Patent courts may grant declaratory relief for both infringement and non-infringement if uncertainty\u202fabout the legal relationship causes\u202fharm or damage\u202fto the requesting party.<\/p>\n<p>Arrow declarations are not available, and there is no similar procedure that declares that a product, process or use was not novel and obvious at a particular point in order to achieve protection in subsequent infringement proceedings.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the costs typically incurred by each party to patent litigation proceedings at first instance? What are the typical costs of an appeal at each appellate level?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>There is large variation in costs, but at first instance they typically range from about EUR 200,000\u20132,000,000 depending on the complexity of the case and the field of technology. On appellate level, the costs typically range from EUR 100,000\u20131,000,000.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Can the successful party to a patent litigation action recover its costs?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>As a main rule, the losing party will have to pay the winning party&#8217;s reasonably incurred litigation costs. A party that withdraws or discontinues its case may also be ordered to pay the other party&#8217;s costs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the biggest patent litigation growth areas in your jurisdiction in terms of industry sector?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Automotive technology, and other industrial applications, is an emerging area in Sweden. Pharmaceutical patent disputes are also likely to remain key areas of patent litigation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What do you predict will be the most contentious patent litigation issues in your jurisdiction over the next twelve months?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>SPA is a large reform of the patent legislation that was enacted with effect as from 1 January 2025. The reform sought to modernize the legislation, improve clarity, and align Swedish practice with European standards. As with any major legislative update, its implementation and interpretation in practice are likely to give rise to interesting legal questions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the biggest challenges and opportunities confronting the international patent system?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The launch of the UPC marks one of the most significant developments in the international patent system in decades. While the UPC offers an opportunity for greater consistency, efficiency, and predictability in European patent enforcement, it also poses some strategic challenges. Companies are still assessing forum choices, litigation risks, and the long-term balance between the UPC and national courts. The coming years will show how well the new system succeeds in balancing different national legal systems.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n<div class=\"word-count-hidden\" style=\"display:none;\">Estimated word count: <span class=\"word-count\">3904<\/span><\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t<\/ol>\r\n\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/twentyseventeen\/src\/jquery\/components\/filter-guides.js\" async><\/script><\/div>"}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comparative_guide\/117948","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comparative_guide"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/comparative_guide"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=117948"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}