https://www.epo.org/en/node/timeline

History

A look back at the history of the European Patent Convention, the Organisation and the Office.

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50 years European Patent Convention

Discover the planned activities

16 countries sign the European Patent Convention (EPC) in Munich in 1973
1970s

European Patent Convention signed in Munich and European Patent Office begins work.

Drawing of the first patent filed at the EPO
1980s

EPO grants first patents and first ESPACE CD-ROMs produced.

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A man looking back and a computer screen showing the first verision of epoque
1990s

EPOQUE provides electronic search tools and Espacenet launched.

Screenshot of the first version of epoline
2000s

First patent applications filed online and Munich Diplomatic Conference adopts EPC revisions (EPC 2000).

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Group picture of the members of the council of the EU on the signature of the Unitary Patent
2010s

European Parliament approves legislation to create Unitary Patent and 25 EU member states sign Agreement on Unified Patent Court.

An EPO examiner with a headset using a computer
2020s

Digitalisation of workflows massively accelerates in light of COVID-19 pandemic