Chinese companies can protect patents across Europe, the UK and the US through a coordinated international filing strategy. This typically starts with a PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty) application, which preserves your options across multiple countries while you assess which markets to prioritise. From there, filings are directed to the European Patent Office (EPO), the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) and the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

Each jurisdiction has its own examination standards and enforcement landscape. Getting claim scope, timing and market selection right from the outset makes a significant difference to the strength and commercial value of your portfolio. In some European countries, utility model protection can offer a faster route worth considering alongside standard patent filings.

We help Chinese companies build and execute tailored patent strategies across Europe, the UK and the US, so your IP protection supports your growth plans and manages risk in the markets that matter most.

The Unified Patent Court is a single pan-European court for patent disputes covering Unitary Patents and European patents. One decision may lead to injunctions and damages across multiple EU member states. Currently, 18 EU countries participate.

Chinese companies are increasingly active on both sides of disputes. In 2025, China ranked among the most frequent defendant states and leading claimant states, reflecting the growing strategic use of the UPC by Chinese companies.

For Chinese companies, the UPC is highly relevant. It is fast, with a typical 14 to 16 months to a first instance decision, procedure-driven with strict deadlines and limited opportunities for delay. Most cases are handled by German local divisions, often in English.

We represent clients before the UPC and key national courts, including Germany and Sweden, leveraging our UK patent attorney team’s industry expertise to deliver a fully coordinated European strategy combining legal and technical strength.

If your company is sued for patent infringement in Europe, the key is to act early and implement a coordinated defence strategy. Chinese companies often face claims across more than one jurisdiction at once, so a joined-up approach is essential.

In the Unified Patent Court (UPC) infringement and validity are usually decided together. A strong defence combines a robust non-infringement case with a counterclaim for revocation with early evidence and a clear procedural strategy.

In Germany, infringement and validity tracks are separated. Given the speed of German proceedings and injunction risk, careful coordination between these tracks is critical.

EPO oppositions can usefully complement court proceedings by providing a central route to challenge patent validity, strengthening the defence and creating valuable strategic leverage.

We are particularly well placed to deliver an effective defence by central coordination across the UPC, German courts and the EPO, combining leading UPC and German litigation expertise with a strong EPO opposition practice in one integrated team.

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Standard-essential patents (SEPs) are patents that protect technology required to comply with industry standards, meaning companies must use them to produce compliant products. Because of this, they are licensed under FRAND terms (Fair, Reasonable and Non-Discriminatory) to ensure broad, balanced access to essential technologies.

For Chinese companies, SEPs present a significant opportunity to generate licensing revenue at scale. As adoption of global standards increases, SEP owners can license their portfolios across multiple markets, creating recurring income streams and strengthening their competitive position.

Europe is a key jurisdiction for SEP strategy. The UK is a leading forum for global FRAND rate-setting, while Germany and the Unified Patent Court (UPC) provide strong enforcement tools, including injunctive relief. This combination enables companies to align litigation, negotiation and licensing strategies to maximise commercial outcomes.

With a well-structured cross-border approach, Chinese-origin innovation can be transformed into sustainable, long-term licensing income.

We advise on SEP prosecution, enforcement and defence before the UK courts, German courts and the UPC, helping clients develop coordinated strategies that combine legal and technical expertise to maximise portfolio value.

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Working directly with a European patent firm gives Chinese companies faster decisions, lower costs and stronger outcomes for their international patent portfolios. Rather than instructions passing through a Chinese agent and then to foreign associates, you communicate directly with experienced patent professionals. This matters most for complex, time-sensitive matters such as patent prosecution, EPO oppositions and litigation support.

We provide a single point of contact across Europe, the UK and the US. One team, one strategy, consistent advice across all your key markets. You avoid duplication, reduce coordination overhead and get commercially focused guidance from professionals who understand international IP portfolio management.

For Chinese companies managing growing international portfolios, this integrated approach simplifies day-to-day management and improves cost efficiency.

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Yes. Our team includes native Chinese-speaking patent professionals and a China-qualified patent attorney. We communicate directly with Chinese clients and their local stakeholders in Chinese, so no important details are lost in translation.

We understand both the Chinese and European patent systems in depth. We explain procedural differences clearly, anticipate common questions and provide practical guidance throughout the patent lifecycle. We also understand how Chinese companies approach innovation, IP protection and international growth.

This combination of language skills, cultural understanding and legal expertise helps Chinese companies navigate the patent process in Europe, the UK and the US with confidence and efficiency.