The German Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection (BMJV) yesterday published the first draft of legislation that will make it possible for Germany to ratify the Unified Patent Court Agreement.  The draft bill was published, together with a second draft bill to implement the Unitary patent system into German law.  After a period of consultation, it is anticipated that final draft bills will be introduced into the German parliament before summer 2016.  These will then pass through the legislative process in parliament for debate, any amendment, and then a final vote.