The Protocol on Privileges and Immunities of the Unified Patent Court (UPC), which was agreed by the Preparatory Committee in February, was published and open for signature from yesterday, when it was signed by some member states in the margins of the COREPER I meeting in Brussels. The Protocol means that the UPC will enjoy the privileges and immunities necessary for its activities.  The Protocol will enter into force 30 days after the date on which the last of France, Germany, Luxembourg and the UK has deposited its instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession (Article 18).  France, Germany and Luxembourg were among yesterday’s signatories here.