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The Unified Patent Court's jurisdiction is extending beyond its contracting member states, creating new enforcement possibilities and risks for businesses across Europe. Recent landmark decisions are establishing when the UPC can hear cases involving non-member territories like Ireland and the UK, with significant implications for patent holders, defendants, and even EU authorized representatives who may find themselves unexpectedly drawn into pan-European patent disputes.

Ireland is introducing a new tax-efficient Investment Account from July 2027, allowing residents to invest up to €12,000 annually with a €50,000 tax-free threshold. The initiative aims to encourage retail investment by eliminating complex tax rules like deemed disposal and replacing them with a simplified 1% annual tax on amounts exceeding the threshold.

The Council of the EU has adopted the most comprehensive reform of EU pharmaceutical legislation in over 20 years, fundamentally reshaping regulatory protection mechanisms, market exclusivity periods, and incentive structures for pharmaceutical companies. These reforms balance patient access to medicines with creating a more competitive and innovation-friendly environment, addressing antimicrobial resistance, medicine supply challenges, and the early availability of generic alternatives.