On February 25, 2025, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) delivered a pivotal judgment in Case C-339/22, BSH Hausgeräte GmbH v. Electrolux AB, addressing the scope of jurisdiction in cross-border patent infringement disputes within the EU.
Background
The case originated from a dispute between BSH Hausgeräte GmbH and Electrolux AB concerning alleged infringements of a European patent validated in multiple Member States. BSH initiated proceedings in Sweden, seeking remedies for infringements occurring in various countries. Electrolux contested the jurisdiction of the Swedish court, arguing that challenges to the patent’s validity should be exclusively addressed by courts in the respective countries where the patent was validated.
CJEU’s Ruling
The CJEU held that, under Article 4(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1215/2012 (Brussels I bis), a national court has jurisdiction to hear an infringement action against a defendant domiciled in its member state, even if the action pertains to infringements in other member states. Importantly, the Court clarified that raising the invalidity of a patent as a defense does not negate this jurisdiction, provided that the court does not make determinations affecting the registration or validity of the patent in other member states.
Implications
This decision marks a departure from the Court’s earlier stance in the GAT v. LuK case (C-4/03), which limited the jurisdiction of national courts in cross-border patent disputes. By affirming the ability of national courts to adjudicate on infringement matters involving patents validated in multiple member states, the ruling enhances the enforcement capabilities of patent holders and may lead to increased cross-border litigation within the EU.
Legal practitioners and patent holders should consider this development when formulating litigation strategies, as it offers a broader framework for addressing cross-border infringements within the EU’s legal landscape.
In December 2024, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) issued a landmark ruling concerning national laws that restrict ownership in law firms to qualified legal professionals. The decision holds significant implications for the legal profession across the European Union, reaffirming the importance of ethical independence and professional integrity.
The case stemmed from German legislation that prohibits purely financial investors from holding stakes in law firms. The CJEU concluded that such restrictions are compatible with EU law, emphasizing that they pursue a legitimate public interest. Specifically, the Court highlighted the essential role of these laws in ensuring that legal advice remains impartial and that the independence of the legal profession is safeguarded.
Implications for the Legal Profession
This ruling strengthens the regulatory framework that governs law firm ownership in the EU and provides clarity on the balance between professional independence and market freedom.
Key takeaways include:
Independence and Ethics: By restricting ownership to qualified legal professionals, Member States can protect the integrity of legal advice, free from external financial influences.
Public Trust: The decision underscores the profession’s duty to maintain the highest standards of impartiality and professionalism, key to fostering public confidence.
Compliance Obligations: Law firms operating within the EU should remain vigilant about aligning their ownership structures with both national and EU regulatory requirements.
This ruling serves as a reminder of the vital role that ethical and professional standards play in shaping the future of the legal industry. It is particularly relevant, as it highlights the ongoing importance of maintaining independence while navigating the evolving demands of the profession.
https://united-legal-network.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/2023-ULN-Logo-for-website.png00Katharinahttps://united-legal-network.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/2023-ULN-Logo-for-website.pngKatharina2025-01-13 10:54:282025-01-13 10:56:09Key EU Court Decision on Law Firm Ownership
We are thrilled to welcome CGA – Christos Georgiades & Associates LLC, our newest member and the first from Cyprus, to our network! Established in 1974, CGA has grown into a leading specialist in International Disputes and Wealth Management.
Bringing decades of experience, CGA’s Wealth Management team supports private and institutional investors with exceptional guidance on a wide range of investments, from real estate to tech ventures. Their International Disputes team is equally impressive, representing clients in complex cases both within Cyprus and internationally.
https://united-legal-network.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/2023-ULN-Logo-for-website.png00Katharinahttps://united-legal-network.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/2023-ULN-Logo-for-website.pngKatharina2024-12-19 11:00:202025-01-13 11:00:35New Member from Cyprus
This week, we came together in a virtual meeting to remember and honor our dear friend and colleague, Yannis Pantelidis, our cherished member from Greece and former president of ULN.
Yannis was an exceptional leader and a remarkable individual whose contributions to our network and the legal profession left an indelible mark.
We will hold his memory close to our hearts and continue to be inspired by his legacy.
Rest in peace, Yannis.
https://united-legal-network.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/2023-ULN-Logo-for-website.png00Katharinahttps://united-legal-network.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/2023-ULN-Logo-for-website.pngKatharina2024-11-15 11:12:322024-11-15 11:12:33Honoring the Memory of Yannis Pantelidis
Our autumn meeting 2024 took place in Lisbon from October 4th to 5th. Carlos Gomes did a wonderful job at organising an unforgettable weekend in his home country. Thank you, Carlos!
On Friday we had a very interesting lecture series by many professionals on the topic of “AI Challenges and Opportunities in the legal sector.” First, we listened to Filipa Caldeira, Advisory Data & AI Sales Specialist at IBM Portugal. In her insightful presentation, “Watsonx in Action: Unlocking AI for the Legal Sector,” she introduced Watsonx – IBM’s cutting-edge AI and data platform designed for businesses – and discussed its potential application in law firms. Then we heard from Hugo Farinha, COO of ROOX, a legaltech company from Portugal, specialized in delivering high-quality products and services tailored for the legal sector, aiming to streamline processes and eliminate repetitive tasks. This was followed by a presentation by José Eduardo Fonesca, Director at Kyndryl who dived into Challenges and Opportunities of AI in the legal sector. Lastly, we had the pleasure of hearing from Ella de Silva from Legau on their mission of transforming legal drafting with AI. Thank you to all guest speakers for the insightful presentations!
We ended our Friday with a walk through the old city of Lisbon, enjoying some sights at night and having dinner at O Jardim Lisboa, a wonderful Portuguese restaurant.
On Saturday we held our general meeting, where we decided on many great innovations for our network. Afterwards, Carlos organised a sight seeing tour by bus to many beautiful locations such as Sintra, Guincho Beach and Cascais. We ended the day at the MAAT Restaurant with some great food and good conversations.
Thank you Carlos for this unforgettable meeting!
https://united-legal-network.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/2023-ULN-Logo-for-website.png00Katharinahttps://united-legal-network.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/2023-ULN-Logo-for-website.pngKatharina2024-10-23 12:39:102024-10-23 12:45:54Lisbon, October 4-5, 2024
This week, we’re thrilled to introduce our newest member – Mifsud & Mifsud Advocates based in Malta!
Established in 2007 by founding partners Dr. Malcolm Mifsud and Dr. Cedric Mifsud, the firm is located in the heart of Valletta. They bring a wealth of expertise, offering multidisciplinary legal services with a commitment to honesty and integrity. Mifsud & Mifsud Advocates cover a broad range of areas, from family law, property law, and employment law to commercial litigation, EU regulatory compliance, and tax advisory services. Their team is known for providing practical, innovative solutions that meet the unique needs of both local and international clients.
We are excited to welcome Mifsud & Mifsud Advocates to our network and look forward to collaborating on future endeavours.
https://united-legal-network.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/2023-ULN-Logo-for-website.png00Katharinahttps://united-legal-network.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/2023-ULN-Logo-for-website.pngKatharina2024-10-03 11:51:582024-10-03 11:56:20New Member from Malta
Our spring meeting 2024 took place in Munich from May 24th to 25th. We thank Andrea Hellmann for welcoming us in her home country and enabling us to experience the beautiful city of Munich.
On Friday we had the pleasure of listening to very interesting lectures regarding German law and AI by Prof. Dr. Christian Wolf from the University of Hannover and Munich Notary Wolfram Schneeweiss. It was very interesting hearing from German legal professionals on this important and more than current topic. In the evening we had dinner at Haxengrill, a traditional Bavarian restaurant in the heart of Munich.
On Saturday we held our general meeting, where we had great discussions about our Association. Afterwards, there was some free time to explore Munich, the sights, markets, and bars. To end the successful meeting, we concluded with dinner at Schlosswirt Schwaige, which was great for catching up and enjoying each other’s company.
Thank you once more Andrea for the wonderful meeting! On to the next!
https://united-legal-network.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/2023-ULN-Logo-for-website.png00Katharinahttps://united-legal-network.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/2023-ULN-Logo-for-website.pngKatharina2024-05-27 11:55:022024-10-23 12:10:39Munich, May 24-25, 2024
CJEU Clarifies Jurisdiction in Cross-Border Patent Infringement Cases
in NewsOn February 25, 2025, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) delivered a pivotal judgment in Case C-339/22, BSH Hausgeräte GmbH v. Electrolux AB, addressing the scope of jurisdiction in cross-border patent infringement disputes within the EU.
Background
The case originated from a dispute between BSH Hausgeräte GmbH and Electrolux AB concerning alleged infringements of a European patent validated in multiple Member States. BSH initiated proceedings in Sweden, seeking remedies for infringements occurring in various countries. Electrolux contested the jurisdiction of the Swedish court, arguing that challenges to the patent’s validity should be exclusively addressed by courts in the respective countries where the patent was validated.
CJEU’s Ruling
The CJEU held that, under Article 4(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1215/2012 (Brussels I bis), a national court has jurisdiction to hear an infringement action against a defendant domiciled in its member state, even if the action pertains to infringements in other member states. Importantly, the Court clarified that raising the invalidity of a patent as a defense does not negate this jurisdiction, provided that the court does not make determinations affecting the registration or validity of the patent in other member states.
Implications
This decision marks a departure from the Court’s earlier stance in the GAT v. LuK case (C-4/03), which limited the jurisdiction of national courts in cross-border patent disputes. By affirming the ability of national courts to adjudicate on infringement matters involving patents validated in multiple member states, the ruling enhances the enforcement capabilities of patent holders and may lead to increased cross-border litigation within the EU.
Legal practitioners and patent holders should consider this development when formulating litigation strategies, as it offers a broader framework for addressing cross-border infringements within the EU’s legal landscape.
🔗 Read the full judgment here: www.eur-lex.europa.eu
Key EU Court Decision on Law Firm Ownership
in NewsIn December 2024, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) issued a landmark ruling concerning national laws that restrict ownership in law firms to qualified legal professionals. The decision holds significant implications for the legal profession across the European Union, reaffirming the importance of ethical independence and professional integrity.
The case stemmed from German legislation that prohibits purely financial investors from holding stakes in law firms. The CJEU concluded that such restrictions are compatible with EU law, emphasizing that they pursue a legitimate public interest. Specifically, the Court highlighted the essential role of these laws in ensuring that legal advice remains impartial and that the independence of the legal profession is safeguarded.
Implications for the Legal Profession
This ruling strengthens the regulatory framework that governs law firm ownership in the EU and provides clarity on the balance between professional independence and market freedom.
Key takeaways include:
Independence and Ethics: By restricting ownership to qualified legal professionals, Member States can protect the integrity of legal advice, free from external financial influences.
Public Trust: The decision underscores the profession’s duty to maintain the highest standards of impartiality and professionalism, key to fostering public confidence.
Compliance Obligations: Law firms operating within the EU should remain vigilant about aligning their ownership structures with both national and EU regulatory requirements.
This ruling serves as a reminder of the vital role that ethical and professional standards play in shaping the future of the legal industry. It is particularly relevant, as it highlights the ongoing importance of maintaining independence while navigating the evolving demands of the profession.
Read the whole decision here.
New Member from Cyprus
in NewsWe are thrilled to welcome CGA – Christos Georgiades & Associates LLC, our newest member and the first from Cyprus, to our network! Established in 1974, CGA has grown into a leading specialist in International Disputes and Wealth Management.
Bringing decades of experience, CGA’s Wealth Management team supports private and institutional investors with exceptional guidance on a wide range of investments, from real estate to tech ventures. Their International Disputes team is equally impressive, representing clients in complex cases both within Cyprus and internationally.
Welcome to the network, CGA!
Honoring the Memory of Yannis Pantelidis
in NewsThis week, we came together in a virtual meeting to remember and honor our dear friend and colleague, Yannis Pantelidis, our cherished member from Greece and former president of ULN.
Yannis was an exceptional leader and a remarkable individual whose contributions to our network and the legal profession left an indelible mark.
We will hold his memory close to our hearts and continue to be inspired by his legacy.
Rest in peace, Yannis.
Lisbon, October 4-5, 2024
in EventOur autumn meeting 2024 took place in Lisbon from October 4th to 5th. Carlos Gomes did a wonderful job at organising an unforgettable weekend in his home country. Thank you, Carlos!
On Friday we had a very interesting lecture series by many professionals on the topic of “AI Challenges and Opportunities in the legal sector.” First, we listened to Filipa Caldeira, Advisory Data & AI Sales Specialist at IBM Portugal. In her insightful presentation, “Watsonx in Action: Unlocking AI for the Legal Sector,” she introduced Watsonx – IBM’s cutting-edge AI and data platform designed for businesses – and discussed its potential application in law firms. Then we heard from Hugo Farinha, COO of ROOX, a legaltech company from Portugal, specialized in delivering high-quality products and services tailored for the legal sector, aiming to streamline processes and eliminate repetitive tasks. This was followed by a presentation by José Eduardo Fonesca, Director at Kyndryl who dived into Challenges and Opportunities of AI in the legal sector. Lastly, we had the pleasure of hearing from Ella de Silva from Legau on their mission of transforming legal drafting with AI. Thank you to all guest speakers for the insightful presentations!
We ended our Friday with a walk through the old city of Lisbon, enjoying some sights at night and having dinner at O Jardim Lisboa, a wonderful Portuguese restaurant.
On Saturday we held our general meeting, where we decided on many great innovations for our network. Afterwards, Carlos organised a sight seeing tour by bus to many beautiful locations such as Sintra, Guincho Beach and Cascais. We ended the day at the MAAT Restaurant with some great food and good conversations.
Thank you Carlos for this unforgettable meeting!
New Member from Malta
in NewsThis week, we’re thrilled to introduce our newest member – Mifsud & Mifsud Advocates based in Malta!
Established in 2007 by founding partners Dr. Malcolm Mifsud and Dr. Cedric Mifsud, the firm is located in the heart of Valletta. They bring a wealth of expertise, offering multidisciplinary legal services with a commitment to honesty and integrity.
Mifsud & Mifsud Advocates cover a broad range of areas, from family law, property law, and employment law to commercial litigation, EU regulatory compliance, and tax advisory services. Their team is known for providing practical, innovative solutions that meet the unique needs of both local and international clients.
We are excited to welcome Mifsud & Mifsud Advocates to our network and look forward to collaborating on future endeavours.
Munich, May 24-25, 2024
in EventOur spring meeting 2024 took place in Munich from May 24th to 25th. We thank Andrea Hellmann for welcoming us in her home country and enabling us to experience the beautiful city of Munich.
On Friday we had the pleasure of listening to very interesting lectures regarding German law and AI by Prof. Dr. Christian Wolf from the University of Hannover and Munich Notary Wolfram Schneeweiss. It was very interesting hearing from German legal professionals on this important and more than current topic. In the evening we had dinner at Haxengrill, a traditional Bavarian restaurant in the heart of Munich.
On Saturday we held our general meeting, where we had great discussions about our Association. Afterwards, there was some free time to explore Munich, the sights, markets, and bars. To end the successful meeting, we concluded with dinner at Schlosswirt Schwaige, which was great for catching up and enjoying each other’s company.
Thank you once more Andrea for the wonderful meeting! On to the next!