Validation of European Patents in Malta

Malta is a late-comer to the European Patent Convention (EPC). Accession to the EPC occurred in December 2006, with entry into force happening on the 1^st March 2007, through subsidiary legislation passed under the Patents and Designs Act (Chapter 417 of the Laws of Malta): the aptly named, European Patent Convention Regulations 2007.

However, Malta was one of the first countries to join its EU State partners using the enhanced co-operation procedure to participate in the unitary patent system.

Ever since 2007, patents obtained via the European Patent Office (EPO) may designate Malta as a state in which the patent will be applicable. Companies will therefore further the reach of their patent to not only another EPC contracting state but also another European Union member state – Malta having become a member state of the EU in May 2004.