Some 1300 individuals responded to the UPC Preparatory Committee’s call for expressions of interest in becoming judges of the UPC.  Following a long evaluation process by a group of senior serving and retired patents judges, the Preparatory Committee approved a list potential candidate judges in July 2014, and is now in the process of notifying those expressing interest as to whether they met the criteria to become a judge, and whether they would or would not require further patent litigation training.

The notification makes clear that the process to date is merely a pre-selection assessment and that those receiving a positive indication of eligibility will still have to make a further formal application if they wish to become a judge. It is as yet unknown when the formal application process will begin or what target date for appointment of judges is planned.