Unitary patent
Once the EPO has granted a patent, it can either be validated in each country where it is to be valid or become a unitary patent.
A European patent application filed with the EPO will be examined and granted (if it is allowable) by the EPO. Following the grant, the applicant can opt to request unitary effect, i e that the patent be a regional patent valid in all EU member states that are party to the unitary patent system.