This is a summary of developments in and around the UPC in the calendar week of October 12, 2026.
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10. Around the court
10.1 Chinese automotive delegation visits UPC Munich to discuss patent litigation and FRAND developments
The China Automotive Technology and Research Center (CATARC) and the China Society of Automotive Engineers’ IP delegation visited the Munich LD on October 14, 2026, for discussions on European patent litigation and developments in FRAND licensing. The delegation met with Presiding Judge Dr. Matthias Zigann to exchange views on the evolving European patent landscape, with a particular focus on the development of UPC case law and the coordination of judicial approaches across the court’s divisions. The discussions also addressed the changing framework for FRAND disputes, reflecting the growing importance of consistent judicial approaches to patent litigation and licensing issues in Europe.
10.2 PMAC signs first MoU with a European national court to promote patent dispute ADR
The Patent Mediation and Arbitration Centre (PMAC) has signed its first memorandum of understanding with a national court in Europe, establishing a framework for cooperation with the Court of Milan’s Specialized Business Division to promote alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in patent and intellectual property disputes. The agreement, signed remotely on October 16, 2026, by PMAC Director Aleš Zalar and Court of Milan President Fabio Roia, aims to raise awareness of PMAC-administered mediation, arbitration, and expert determination, facilitate access to information about these services, and support judicial training and the exchange of best practices.
The initiative is intended to complement national court proceedings by providing flexible mechanisms for resolving complex patent-related disputes that fall outside the UPC’s jurisdiction. Zalar described the agreement as an important step in developing Europe’s intellectual property dispute resolution framework and encouraged other national courts to follow suit. Roia emphasized that ADR complements rather than replaces judicial proceedings.