Scottish Parliament passes Order necessary to create the Unified Patent Court as a legal entity

The International Organisations (Immunities and Privileges) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 2) Order 2017, conferring certain devolved privileges and immunities on the Unified Patent Court and its Judges, Registrar and other staff, the Order was passed by the Scottish Parliament on 25 October 2017. This follows the Official Report of the Justice Committee of 26 September recommending approval.

The timetable for the equivalent English Order which was laid before the Westminster Parliament on 26 June 2017 is uncertain as the composition of the Committee to scrutinise it has not yet been confirmed.

The approval of both the English and Scottish Orders is necessary to pave the way for the ratification by the UK of the Unified Patent Court Agreement.