Filing options
There are a number of options for filing European patent applications with the European Patent Office.
Online
European patent applications can be filed online using the EPO's free Online Filing software.
By post, fax or by hand
Applications for European patents can be filed by post, fax (excluding authorisations and priority documents) or by hand at the EPO's headquarters in Munich, its branch in The Hague and its Berlin sub-office.
| Site and building address | Postal address and fax number | Opening hours |
|---|---|---|
|
Munich
(Isar building) Erhardtstrasse 27 80469 Munich Germany |
80298 Munich
Germany Fax +49 (0)89 2399-4465 |
Mon-Thurs:
08.00 - 16.45 hrs Fri: 08.00 - 15.30 hrs |
|
Munich
(PschorrHöfe) Bayerstrasse 34 (entrance via Zollstrasse 3) 80335 Munich Germany |
80298 Munich
Germany Fax +49 (0)89 2399-4465 |
Mon-Thurs:
08.00 - 16.45 hrs Fri: 08.00 - 15.30 hrs |
|
The Hague
Patentlaan 2 2288 EE Rijswijk Netherlands |
Postbus 5818
2280 HV Rijswijk Netherlands Fax +31 (0)70 340-3016 |
Mon-Fri:
08.00 - 18.00 hrs |
|
Berlin
Gitschiner Strasse 103 10969 Berlin Germany |
10958 Berlin
Germany +49 (0)30 25901-840 |
Via automated mailbox
Automated mailboxes, which can be used at any time, are located in Munich (next to the EPO buildings in Kohlstrasse and Zollstrasse) and Berlin (next to the entrance to the EPO). There is no automated mailbox in The Hague, but documents may be handed in to the porter at any time outside office hours.
It is not possible to file European patent applications or any other document with the EPO by e-mail, telegram, telex or teletext.
Filing with the national patent offices
European patent applications can also be filed with the central industrial property offices of participating contracting states.