Essential legal knowledge for PCT and UP – concise structured up to date For candidates
preparing for the European Qualifying Examination (EQE) or the European Patent Administration
Certification (EPAC) mastering the Patent Cooperation Treaty and the Unitary Patent system is
crucial. The PCT & UP Handbook offers a clear exam-focused presentation of the relevant
legal framework – ideal for targeted preparation and quick reference during the exam. Based on
the well-established D-I Guide – Part 2 of 2: PCT & UP (2024) by Ignacio Lobato this book is
now published as a standalone volume in the Heymanns IP series “Heymanns Intellectual
Property”. Key benefits: Concise and exam-oriented: Bullet-point summaries instead
of lengthy commentary – directly applicable in exam scenarios. Colour-coded structure: Legal
bases time limits and cross-references are intuitively highlighted for faster navigation.
Up to date: Reflects all legal changes up to November 2025 and fully aligned with the EQE
2026 and EPAC. Aligns with the new eEQE and EPAC formats. Practice-focused: Includes
tables examples and overviews on fees priority national phase requirements and more.
Chapter overview: Chapters 1–9 (PCT): Time limits · Legal remedies Fees
Representation Priority Filing & examination National regional phase · Tabular
overviews Chapter 10 (Unitary Patent & UPC): UP UPC UPPD national measures
Legal remedies Fees Request for unitary effect UP Proceedings Compensation scheme
Renewal fees Transfer and licences Publications and file inspection For EQE or EPAC
candidates mastering the EPC the PCT and the UP system is essential to excel in the exams.
The PCT & UP Handbook together with the EPC Handbook condenses legal texts case law and
procedural frameworks into an exam-ready quick reference that turns anxiety into certainty on
every legal question. Edited by: Ignacio Lobato is Swiss and Spanish and lives in
Munich Germany. He studied Mechanical Engineering at ETH Zurich and spent two years in the
simulation department in the automotive sector before moving internally to the patent
department. He qualified as a European Patent Attorney in 2022 and has since tutored the annual
D1 (now F M2) study group at Fillun. Ignacio is currently finalising his training to become a
German Patent Attorney with qualification expected by the end of 2025.
