The UPC is pleased to announce the appointments of two legally qualified judges at the CFI.

Following decision of 3 July 2026 of the Administrative Committee (D-AC/03/03072026__rev.1), we are pleased to welcome Ms Elise Mellier and Mr Hans-Joachim Weitz as newly appointed legally qualified judges. Ms Mellier is appointed at Central Division Paris and Mr Weitz at Local Division Mannheim.

In addition to their judicial functions, Ms Mellier and Mr Weitz will serve as Heads of the Offices of the President of the Court of First Instance and President of the Court of Appeal respectively, supporting the Presidents in the exercise of their functions. In view of these continuing responsibilities, they will devote 20% of their working time to their judicial duties.

Mr Weitz commenced his appointment on 15 September 2026 and will take oath on 24 September 2026, starting at 09.00 CET, Courtroom II, Local Division Mannheim, Schubertstraße 11, 68165 Mannheim.

The start date and the oath taking date of Ms Mellier will be communicated in due course.

Source: Unified Patent Court (UPC), 2026-09-16. Original: https://www.unifiedpatentcourt.org/en/news/unified-patent-court-upc-appoints-new-legally-qualified-judges-court-first-instance-1