Gwilym Roberts – författare

This book offers a practical and comprehensive guide to using the European patent system. Focusing on both substantive law and procedure in the United Kingdom and Germany, it sets out an in-depth framework for both of these major jurisdictions in patent litigation. The first part of the book deals with obtaining European patents, and offers an overview of the patent system, discussion of patentability at the European Patent Office (EPO), absolute novelty and the priority system, filing a European patent application, procedural aspects of search and examination, grant and validation, and oppositions. The second part addresses enforcing and attacking European patents in national courts, including an overview of patent litigation in Europe and jurisdictional issues across the member states; this is followed by a thorough comparative survey of patent law in the two most influential jurisdictions, Germany and the UK. Finally, the book addresses the proposed Unitary Patent Court, including the balance between the central division and local or regional divisions. Combining detailed theoretical discussion with expert practical guidance, this is an essential reference source for those seeking to navigate the field of European patent law.

International patent litigation presents difficult challenges. Actions taken in one jurisdiction can have unforeseen consequences in another; the time taken in the various jurisdictions to reach a conclusion can vary considerably; and the measures and remedies available differ from country to country. The current lack of a harmonised dispute resolution system, moreover, has given rise to increasing uncertainty as novel procedures, and in some instances new legal systems (eg, the proposed European patent with unitary effect), are put in place.This major title by leading practitioners is a practical guide to patent litigation (and alternatives, if available) in a selection of key jurisdictions. It covers the timescale of proceedings, the availability of interim relief, disclosure, available remedies and costs, among other crucial factors. The book provides a useful comparison of how each jurisdiction deals with the issues that arise and the practical consequences of litigating in each location. This comparison is designed to assist those involved in international patent litigation in devising an effective strategy to manage the litigation and so maximise the chances of a successful outcome, while also reducing unnecessary costs.New to the second edition is expanded coverage of Asia, including chapters on China, Hong Kong, Korea and India, as well as topic-based chapters focused on topical developments surrounding the unitary patent and the European Patent Office.The book is a concise, practical guide for all those involved in the conduct and management of international patent litigation, from in-house professionals (patent managers, patent attorneys and general counsel) to those in private practice.

Whilst living in Liverpool, Britain’s second most heavily bombed city during World War II, the author experienced at first-hand the terrible effects of the war on the civilian population and when studying at Cambridge he witnessed the American heavy bombers and their fighter escorts flying to attack targets in Germany and occupied Europe.Serving as an engineering officer in the Royal Navy in HMS Sheffield provided first-hand realisation of the importance of engineering and emphasised that victories achieved in the Battle of Britain and other campaigns were made possible by newly-developed machines, equipment or techniques. These innovations gave the Allied forces a significant advantage and helped ensure eventual victory.Engineering Hitler’s Downfall features numerous inventions such as the decoding machines developed at Bletchley Park; the hand-held mine detectors that cleared pathways through enemy minefields, firstly  at the Battle of el Alamein but also in most subsequent actions; the newly-located factories and tanks that enabled the Russians to repulse the German invasion; the escort carriers and long range aircraft that enabled U-boats to be attacked in the mid-Atlantic; the 4000 plus Bailey bridges that allowed narrow ravines and rivers as wide as the Rhine to be crossed; the Mulberry harbours through which the D-Day bridgehead was reinforced and supplied and the pipelines under the ocean that supplied fuel for invading troops. These and many other examples illustrate what was achieved under such immense pressure.The book includes timelines to set it all in context with respect to the course of the war.

Whilst living in Liverpool, Britain’s second most heavily bombed city during World War II, the author experienced at first-hand the terrible effects of the war on the civilian population and when studying at Cambridge he witnessed the American heavy bombers and their fighter escorts flying to attack targets in Germany and occupied Europe.