Service Within The UPC Regime: Best Practice And Strategies (2025) (Video)

Efficient service of court documents is critical in the regime of the Unified Patent Court, but it can be tricky to navigate the rules and methods. What are the options for serving documents in different scenarios, especially when defendants are located outside the Contracting Member States?

Efficient service of court documents is critical for the deadline regime within the UPC, but the rules and methods can be complex. Within Contracting Member States, service is governed by Rules 271 and 272 Rules of Procedure. Common methods include electronic means via the CMS or registered letters with acknowledgment of receipt, supplemented by service via bailiff. For service outside Contracting Member States, governed by Rules 273 and 274 Rules of Procedure, options include service via the EU Service Regulation, the The Hague Service Convention, or diplomatic channels. However, delays are common, particularly in jurisdictions like China, the US, or the UK. For fast