The Administrative Committee

Abstract

The Administrative Committee is the central body guiding the Court. It decides, for example, on the appointment of judges (Art 16(2) UPCA), changes to the Statute (Art 40(2) UPCA), and possible extensions to the transitional period during which an opt-out from the jurisdiction of the Court to decide on a classical European patent may be declared (Art 83(5) UPCA). When amending the Statute, the Administrative Committee may not contradict the provisions of the Agreement (Art 40(2) cll 2 and 3 UPCA). The Administrative Committee is entitled to adopt most of the implementing regulations for the activity of the Court, notably the Rules of Procedure (Art 41(2) UPCA), subject to the advisory opinion of the European Commission on the compatibility of the Rules of Procedures with Union law, the Staff Regulations for officials and other employees of the Court (Art 16(2) UPC Statute), and the Financial Regulations of the Court (Art 33(1) UPC Statute). However, the Administrative Committee is not entitled to adopt the budget; that competence rests with the Budgetary Committee (Art 26(1) UPC Statute).