Patent Mediation and Arbitration Centre officially inaugurated on 2 June 2026

The Patent Mediation and Arbitration Centre (PMAC) of the Unified Patent Court (UPC) was inaugurated on 2 June 2026 in Ljubljana, marking a major achievement in the development of the European patent dispute resolution landscape. The inauguration ceremony brought together representatives of the judiciary, the intellectual property community, alternative dispute resolution practitioners, industry representatives and institutional partners.

Established under Article 35 of the Agreement on a Unified Patent Court, the PMAC forms an integral part of the UPC framework and provides parties with specialised alternative dispute resolution services for patent disputes, including mediation, arbitration, expert determination and hybrid dispute resolution procedures. The Centre operates from its two seats in Ljubljana and Lisbon and offers parties a flexible forum for resolving disputes relating to European patents, Unitary Patents and related intellectual property matters.

The event was opened by Mr Aleš Zalar, Director of the PMAC and Mr Johannes Karcher, Chairman of the Administrative Committee of the Unified Patent Court. An opening address was delivered by Dr Nataša Pirc Musar, President of the Republic of Slovenia.

Participants also had the privilege of hearing keynote speeches from Prof. Dr Koen Lenaerts, President of the Court of Justice of the European Union and Dr Klaus Grabinski, President of the Court of Appeal of the Unified Patent Court. Further contributions were made by Mr Michael McGrath, European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, via video address, and Mr António Campinos, President of the European Patent Office.

Mr Aleš Zalar, Director of the PMAC, stated: “As we inaugurate PMAC today, we also continue the broader story of the Unified Patent Court and the development of a new European framework for patent dispute resolution. Together, UPC litigation and PMAC’s mediation, arbitration, expert and hybrid proceedings offer parties many roads to justice within a coherent and industry-specific system. Today, PMAC begins its journey, built on expertise, trust and the commitment of the remarkable international community.”

The PMAC has already commenced the phased rollout of its services and will continue expanding its offerings throughout 2026. Through its dedicated rules, specialised neutrals and its case management system, the Centre aims to become a leading international forum for the resolution of patent disputes through alternative dispute resolution.

The ceremony formed part of the first 1st PMAC Forum (photos (by photographer Voranc Vogel) from the ceremony and 2nd day available here).

Johannes Karcher, Chairman of the Administrative Committee of the UPC

Dr Nataša Pirc Musar, President of the Republic of Slovenia

Prof. Dr Koen Lenaerts, President of the Court of Justice of the European Union

Dr Klaus Grabinski, President of the Court of Appeal of the UPC

António Campinos, President of the EPO