Full package for installation of Online Filing version 5 (stand-alone and/or server and thin client)

• Update to the PCT/RO/101 plug-in (PCT-SAFE build 235 of 1 April 2013)
• Improved checking of PDF files to be attached
• Updated maintenance table and signing procedure; minor bug fixes applied

• New EPO CA certificates update
• Update of PCT fees, including 1 January 2013 fee schedule

• Update to the PCT/RO/101 plug-in for the America Invents Act (build 232 PCT-SAFE, 1/10/2012)
• Update of PCT fees, including 1 November and 1 December 2012 fee schedule, for IS, NO, SE and UK
• Updated help and user guide for PCT/RO/101

5.0.5 update 2 October 2012 for Online Filing (OLF) V5 (Release 5.00 (Build 5.0.5.094))

New features

• Server Manager:
  • The database can be moved to a location other than the default (data migration)
  • Stand-alone installations only: the update transforms all processes into Windows services
• PCT/RO/101:
  • The 1 July 2012 PCT-SAFE release (version 3.5.000.231) is available in eOLF Client
  • Supports eOwnership in ePCT during signing

Technical improvements and software updates

• All procedures
  • Updated build for all procedures (5.0.5.094)
• EP procedures
  • Dutch Antilles (AN) is no longer valid for Country and/or Residence and/or Nationality. New territory codes are available: Curaçao (CW), Sint Maarten (SX), Bonaire, Saint Eustatius and Saba (BQ)
  • Bank details selectable for bank transfer as mode of payment are updated
  • The user reference is displayed on all forms generated by eOLF Client
• EP(1001E2K)
  • The signed "Inventor waiver - Rule 19(3) EPC" and the signed "Inventor waiver - Rule 20(1) EPC" can be attached in the Additional Documents
  • Fee code 501 can be selected only if fee code 001 is selected
  • Fee code 015e can be selected only if fee code 015 is selected
• EP(1200E2K)
  • Fee code 520 can be selected only if fee code 020 is selected
  • Fee code 015e can be selected only if fee code 015 is selected
• EP(1038)
  • New procedural categories added
• EP(OPPO)
  • When requesting an extension that brings the total time limit over six months, it is mandatory to give convincing reasons why a reply in the period previously laid down is not possible.
• DE2007
  • The number of claims in DE2007 is now mandatory
  • When "Erfinder ist/sind Arbeitnehmer;" is ticked for an inventor (Erfinder): the text "Erfinder ist/sind Arbeitnehmer" should be visible in the PDF
  • When "ist auch Erfinder" is ticked for a natural applicant: the text "Erfinder ist/sind d. Anmelder;" is added under "Das Recht auf das Patent ist auf den Anmelder übergangen durch:..." in inventor.pdf

 EP:

• Update of EP fees, including 1 April 2012 fee schedule
• New documenttype added in EP1038 in category "Replies" (Request for correction/amendment of the text proposed for grant sent from 01.04.2012)

For more information about the Rule change go to Notice concerning amended Rule 71 and new Rule 71a EPC

All:

• Includes the 5.04 update of 16-01-2012
• Update of PCT fees, including 1 April 2012 fee schedule, for
  • all EPC contracting states which are also PCT contracting states
  • International Bureau

For more information, go to PCT Newsletter No. 03/2012

EP (fees only) and PCT (fees) update 1 April 2012 available for (OLF) V5 Service Pack 2 (Build 5.0.0.034) or lower 

Please note: The new fees of 1 April 2012 can only be applied to newly created drafts, filings and templates.  

EP:

• Update of EP fees, including 1 April 2012 fee schedule

PCT:

• Update of PCT fees, including 1 April 2012 fee schedule, for
  • all EPC contracting states which are also PCT contracting states
  • International Bureau

For more information, go to PCT Newsletter No. 03/2012

• Improved installation process: Stand-alone installation supported in all Windows versions, services will be installed

• The most recent version of all procedures as available on 6th February 2012

• Patch for signing procedure, all non EP Forms, applicable to Online Filing 5.0.4 update (Build 5.0.4.075) of 16 January 2012 

Contains new features and some minor functional changes and technical corrections.

These are as follows:

New features

• Server Manager:
  • export and import of User Management from production server to demo server or to production server of a clean new installation
  • support for automated backup of production database when running in client/server installation.
• File Manager: possibility to create a diagnostic file to facilitate support requests.
• Tool tips introduced for displaying long labels.

Technical improvements and software updates

• All procedures
  • Updated build for all procedures (5.0.0.75)
• EP procedures
  • Only employees under Article 133 EPC can sign on behalf of an applicant who is a legal person. The check box in the "Names tab" must be ticked, and the employee's details filled in.
  • "Function of person signing" added to the "sign application" window.
  • The deposit account number field has been extended by two more digits, and a severity message added in case the wrong number of digits is entered.
  • For mode of payment "Bank transfer", selection of a bank is now mandatory.
  • The "Address for correspondence" option has been revised and harmonised for all procedures.
• EP(1200E2K)
  • When drafts are imported which include Address for Correspondence information not linked to an applicant, this is not loaded into the Names tab but can be found in the Annotations tab.
• EP(1038)
  • Improved sequence of actions for attachments.
  • Non-public documents can now be filed together with payments for fee codes 025, 026, 029, 080 and 027.
  • Attachment of new document type in category "Replies" possible regarding "Acknowledgement".
• EP(OPPO)
  • Attachment of new document type in "Documents tab" possible regarding "Acknowledgement".
• PCTRO101
  • Updated fees for PCT valid from 1 January 2012,
  • Addition of RO=NO as of 2 January 2012.

• Improved installation process
• Patch for UK Form 1, 06-06-2011
• Patch for RO=FR (PCTRO101), 06-06-2011
• Patch for ES Form ESEPVL, 09-06-2011
• Patch addressing the use of templates, 14-06-2011
• Patch for SE Form SEVAL1, 17-06-2011
• Patch addressing the import of fees in EP procedures (EP1001, EP1200, EP1038, EPOPPO) , 07-07-2011
• Patch for PCTRO101 (RO=IB), mandatory update for credit card payments via PCT e-Payment Service , 14-07-2011
• Patch for Form DE2007, 27-07-2011
• PCT update (new fees) 1 September 2011, 27-07-2011
• Patch for UK Forms (Customer Id correction), 08-08-2011

• improved installation of "Other procedures"
• corrected UKSFD installation

• EP procedures
  • Contains procedural changes arising from amended Rules 161/162 EPC, and from the changes to the rules for the filing of sequence listings
  • Minor functional changes and some defects fixed
  • Availability of Austria as an e-filing-enabled office from 1 June onwards
• PCT procedure
  • Update of PCT procedure to the level of PCT-SAFE Client version (3.51.049.225) (1 April 2011)
  • Availability of Austria as an e-filing-enabled receiving office from 1 June onwards
• National offices
  • Inclusion of all procedures available as of 16 May
• Technical improvements and software updates
  • Updated libraries (FOP 0.20.5.18, OpenSSL 1.0.0.a, Firebird 2.1.3)
  • Improved loading and execution of procedures
  • Improved execution and extended functionality of PMS interface commands
    • Availability of request form in PDF format
    • Addition of support for .net
    (see PMS development kit for more information)
  • Server manager: export of history has been added
  • To increase the robustness of the update procedure, all procedures will be installed, but only the ones used are activated. Any procedure can be activated or deactivated at any time.

The procedural changes arising from amended Rules 161/162 EPC, from the changes to the rules for the filing of sequence listings and from the minor functional changes and defects fixed are as follows:

EP(1001E2K)

"Documents" tab - "Sequence Listings" sub-tab Sequence listings must be filed as WIPO standard 25 files (PDF format no longer mandatory). Layout and severity messages have been adapted accordingly.

"Priority" tab A copy of the search results required under Rule 141(1) EPC is not required if it is available to the EPO and is to be included in the file under the conditions determined by the President of the EPO. The European Patent Office will include in the file of a European patent application a copy of the search results referred to in Rule 141(1) EPC, thus exempting the applicant from filing said copy, where the priority of a first filing made in one of the following states is claimed: Japan, United Kingdom, United States of America.

EP(1200E2K)

"EP phase" tab

Checkbox has been added to allow applicants to waive the right to the communication under Rules 161/162 EPC.

"Documents" tab - "Sequence listings" sub-tab

For international applications which contain sequence listings in the description filed under Rule 5.2(a) PCT, or furnished to the EPO as ISA under Rule 13ter.1(a) PCT, or otherwise available to the EPO, in computer-readable format in accordance with WIPO standard 25: if the sequence listing is filed upon entry into the European phase, WIPO standard 25 is mandatory. Layout and severity messages have

been adapted accordingly.

EP(1038)

"Documents" tab

Attachment of waiver document possible under category "Request...":

• "Waiver in respect of communication under Rule 161/162 EPC"

Other changes

• EP(1001E2K)
  • The layout of the "Divisional" tab has been changed
  • When a divisional application is filed by reference to an international application it is now possible to enter the data for the international application in the "Reference" tab
  • The capture of the data regarding general authorisations has been brought into line with EP(1200E2K)
• EP(1200E2K)
  • "Documents" tab: Attachment of new document type "Handwritten amendments" possible under "Additional documents" screen
    • Amended claims with annotations
    • Amended description with annotations
    • Amended drawings with annotations
  • Search fee (fee code 002) reduction can be entered in euros
• EP(1038)
  • Attachment of new document type in category 'Non-public...' possible requesting participation in the Patent Prosecution Highway scheme
    • Request participation in the Patent Prosecution Highway
    • PPH: documents for examination
    • PPH: documents for search
  • Attachment of new document type in category "Amendments..." possible regarding "Handwritten amendments"
    • Amended claims with annotations
    • Amended description with annotations
    • Amended drawings with annotations
  • Attachment of new document type in new category "Third-party observations..."
    • Observations filed by third party (should be used for any observations/documents)
    • Patent document filed by third party
    • Non-patent literature filed by third party
    • Observations by third parties (Art. 115 EPC) (should be used for the cover letter)
    • Reply to communication to third party
    • Reply from applicant/patentee regarding third-party observations
  • Search fee (fee code 002) reduction can be entered in euros

• all EPC contracting states which are also PCT contracting states
• International Bureau

• PDF: http://www.wipo.int/edocs/pctndocs/en/2010/pct_news_2010_11.pdf
• HTML: http://www.wipo.int/pct/en/newslett/

Contains procedural changes concerning amended Rule 141 EPC and new Rule 70b EPC as well as some minor technical corrections.        

These are as follows:

EP(1001E2K)

"Priority" tab:

Attachment of new document type possible for priority claim:

• Search results under Rule 141(1) EPC

"Documents" tab:

Attachment of new document type possible when it has been indicated under "reference" screen ("Request" tab) that previously filed application is also a priority application:

• Search results under Rule 141(1) EPC for previously filed application

EP(1200E2K)

"Documents" tab:

Attachment of new document type possible under "Additional documents" screen

• Search results under Rule 141(1) EPC

"Documents" tab:

Attachment of three further document types possible under "Replies":

• Statement of non-availability of search results under Rule 141(1) EPC
• Search results under Rule 141(1) EPC
• Reply to the communication under Rule 70b EPC

Please note that procedural changes concerning the utilisation scheme - amended Rule 141 and new Rule 70b EPC - enter into force on 1 January 2011. Online filing V5 users are advised to ignore the new fields and associated validation messages concerning these provisions until they enter into force.

Other changes

• All procedures:
  • In English and French, severity 2 and 3 validation messages have been renamed "message(s)" instead of "error(s)
• EP(1001E2K):
  • The request form generated respects the order of applicants as entered
  • For divisional applications, data entered for "earlier application" is distinguished from that for "relevant earliest application"
• EP(1200E2K):
  • When no drawings are attached, "NONE" is displayed on the form generated
  • Values entered for fee 123 (further processing) are no longer reset to 0 when reloading the application from draft
  • "Payment details" screen is displayed by default under "Fee payments" tab
  • Validation message for fee 33 (3rd-year renewal fee) is displayed consistently
• EP(1038):
  • Values entered for fee 123 (further processing) are no longer reset to 0 when reloading the application from draft
• Technical changes:
  • Improved locking mechanism to prevent simultaneous access to application
  • Added multi-threading in the PMS-gateway interface (web service)
  • Improved installation process when applying EPO Online Filing Client Updates
  • Updated Thin Client available:
    • UTF8 encoding supported for Subject and Issuer (smart card) fields
    • Fixed error when extracting text from abstract.pdf (PCTRO101 only)

(Updated installer 13-09-2010)

Contains fee updates, minor changes and corrections

These are as follows:

• All offices: PCT fee changes on 1 September, 15 September and 1 October 2010
• EP: Serbia becomes a member state on 1 October 2010
• Support for special characters referenced in certificates of smart cards renewed or issued since May 2010 (stand-alone installation only, as separate non-mandatory update will be made available for networked version installations)
• Minor changes in EP1001:
  • Divisionals can now be filed in a non-official language - Rule 36(2)
  • Date of first communication no longer required when filing a mandatory divisional application - Rule 36(1)(b)
• Minor changes in EP1200:
  • only a full set of claims may be filed as an amendment
• Change to ROEPRO procedure correcting fee calculation error for fee 040
• Minor change to UK NP1 correcting a problem encountered when importing applications via the PMS Gateway
• Minor defects fixed

Users must have the 1 July 2010 update installed to apply this update.

Contains PCT-SAFE build 221 with changes as of 1 April 2010 plus technical and other corrections to individual software plug-ins.

These are in detail:

• EP procedures: If the filing date of the GB priority claim is after 01.01.2010 then the format YYYYNNNNN will also be accepted (Background: Change of GB priority number format).
• "Corrected Euro-PCT Form 1200E2K" (launched on 22 April 2010)
• FR users only: Changes to FRRequete
• GB users only: Changes to UK177
• DK users only: Changes to DK procedure
• DE users only: Changes to DE2007 procedure: an individual representative can now be copied to the address book without providing a company name.

Issues fixed:

• ES users only: Ceres FNMT smart cards will now be recognised in V5 of the Online Filing software
• Signing is now possible with long certificate info (Issue: OK/Cancel buttons disappeared when certificate info was too big)
• EP1001: The reduction factor in "Fee Selection" is now kept when creating a draft by copying another EP1001 application
• EP1001: DESC, CLMS, ABS and DRAW can be now be previewed from the EP1001 procedure itself (Issue: Document preview did not work)
• PCT/RO/101: Digital Signature is now kept in PCT101.PDF after exporting a "Sent Application" (Issue: Signature was removed from PCT101.PDF after exporting a "Sent Application")

This patch ensures that

• the page numbers of attached translations are saved and
• all applications filed with Euro-PCT(1200E2K) can be processed automatically.

EP(1001E2K)

• New "Divisional" sub-tab (only if the filing office is the EPO)
• Changes to data-entry options in the "Reference" sub-tab

EP(1200E2K)

• Number of patent claims and pages on entry into the European phase now entered in the "Document Overview" tab under "Documents"
• New field in Past Record: language of the international publication

"Documents" tab:

• Language of the international publication now determines whether amendments to and translations of the international application, translations of amendments, translations of the priority application or translations of the annexes to the international preliminary examination report can be attached in the "Amendments and Translations" tab
• Reply to the written opinion of the International Preliminary Examining Authority or the International Searching Authority in the "Additional Documents" tab
• New "Document Overview" tab: information on the nature of the technical documents on entry into the European phase, and, for fee calculation purposes, indication of the number of pages (additional, last sheet of the EP1200 form)
  Four sub-tabs in "Document Overview":
  1. Overview
  2. Description
  3. Claims
     Indication inter alia of the number of claims on entry into the European phase
  4. Drawings
• Due to changes in the structure of attached documents relative to EP1200, please make sure that all your drafts have been processed before updating, as the attached documents may otherwise not correctly reflect your intentions. Furthermore, we recommend that you verify carefully your submissions before signing and sending.

EP(1038)

Attachment of two further document types possible under "Replies":

• Reply to request for clarification
• Reply to search opinion/written opinion/IPER

Other changes

• Fee changes for EP and PCT (the latter will enter into force progressively from 1 April 2010)
• New/amended validation messages
• Improved V5 capability (software runs faster)
• Confirmation of receipt once again available in PDF and XML format in exported ZIP file
• Various bugs fixed in V5:
  • Address book import function corrected
  • Dedicated directory created for the "OpenSSL libraries" to prevent malfunctions caused by third-party software
  • Existing draft applications no longer disappear after being opened and then closed without saving (isolated incident)
  • Users who designated the Netherlands Patent Office (Octrooicentrum Nederland) as the receiving office for PCT applications can once again file applications without difficulty using V5
  • Users of the French application form can once again install the Online Filing software in the non-default directory

• existing plug-ins (including the plug-ins for the national offices and the PCT plug-in) have been consolidated and updated.
• individual patches have been implemented.

Changes in detail:

Installation

• The installation CD contained in the Online Filing Starter Kit comes with an installer tool that will guide users through installing all the software and drivers required for their machines.
• Online Filing version 5.0 runs on the Windows 7 operating system without restrictions.
• Online Filing program files and folders have been restructured and are now located under C:/Program Files/EPO_OLF5.
• The procedures EP(1001E) and Euro-PCT(1200E) that were replaced by EP(1001E2K) and Euro-PCT(1200E2K) in version 4.0 following the implementation of EPC 2000 are no longer available in version 5.0.
• The Romanian and Danish national procedures too can now be installed direct. Additional forms are also available for other national procedures. For more details, see the "National offices" link.

Changes in File Manager

• The export functions have been standardised in File Manager, the form and Server Manager.
• PDF Viewer's preview function for displaying applications has been improved. Before the signature is added, the preview shows the original filename in the left-hand column, which is now resizable
• EPO fee tables can no longer be deleted (either intentionally or accidentally). Similarly, it is no longer possible to create user-specific fee tables.
• The "Info" function in the Help menu provides contact details for EPO User Support and the build numbers of all modules installed in Online Filing, and also data on the latest maintenance tables and updates.

Changes in User Administration

• A blocked (disabled) user can be re-activated by an administrator or another user with user administration authorisation.
• If a user enters the wrong password when logging on, a warning appears advising him that he has only two chances left before the user account is disabled.
• The "Save All" button saves your changes in all tabs within User Administration, not just the one currently open.

Improvements in how documents are attached

• The method of attaching technical documents in PDF format has been simplified in the EP(1001E2K) procedure. Users can attach the file first and then select which document components this file contains. A distinction is thus no longer made between the combined PDF file and multiple PDF files.
• Limitation or revocation documents or non-public documents can now also be attached in the EP(1038E) procedure. A request for accelerated search/examination, for instance, can now be submitted as a non-public document.
• Attached documents are not lost after a form or template is saved and closed, even if you have not yet selected a document type.
• Problems when attaching PDF documents have been fixed: PDF files containing pages in portrait and landscape format or pages that do not exactly match A4 format can now be attached to applications without any error messages. Attaching certified US priority documents is no longer a problem either.

Changes in fee payment

• Fees can be reloaded from the EPO's official fee tables if a user decides to undo the manual changes he made in a form.
• Fee calculation inconsistencies that occurred when importing forms and moving forms back to Draft status have been corrected.
• In the EP(Oppo) procedure, access to the automatic debiting procedure has been restricted to the patent owner.

Further changes in EP procedures

• When signing applications with a smart card or soft certificate, a message box appears during the signing process to advise the user that it may take a while to generate the XML files and that the process is running smoothly in the background.
• The shortcut CTRL+I can now be used to add inventors more quickly in Form EP(1001E2K).
• The method of entering national priority numbers in Form EP(1001E2K) has been simplified. Also, it now covers more countries.
• New review mechanisms in Form EP(Oppo) prevent the entry of an incorrect publication date.
• A list of all named representatives is displayed in PDF view in Form EP(Oppo).
• Drawings can be added in more than one attachment.
• In Form EP(1038), correspondence relating to review proceedings can be added under "Appeals".

Changes to the PCT/RO/101 procedure

• Version 5.0 features WIPO's new PCT plug-in dated 1.10.2009 as well as a new WIPO certificate.
• Integration in File Manager and Server Manager has been improved for the import and export functions for PCT applications, with the result that these functions are now largely aligned with the corresponding functions for EP applications.
• Problems when attaching PDF documents have been fixed.
• The representative's authorisation and validation are also given in PDF format.

Other changes

• Data from one form (e.g. EP(1001E2K)) can be used in another (e.g. EP(1038)).
• The CAF ("Common Application Format") is supported in European and international procedures.

Installing the update will allow you to attach:

• PDFs which marginally exceed the dimensions allowed for A4 due to settings or scanner behaviour that cannot be modified by the user. PDF sizes up to 312 mm by 227 mm (A4 +5%) or 12.28" by 8.94" (letter +5%) will be accepted. PDF files containing both landscape and portrait format can be attached as well.
• US priority documents in letter format.
• Scanned PDFs which were previously erroneously rejected (HPDigitalSender).

How to install the update

• On client-server installations: apply the update to the server installation first, then to all the thin client installations.
• On stand-alone installations: the update only needs to be installed once on top of the stand-alone installation.

Warning

If you install a national office plug-in after you have installed this update, you must re-install the update as follows:

• client-server installations: on the server only
• stand-alone installations: on the stand-alone machine

This plug-in comprises

• the schedule of fees in force as of 1 April 2009, which is valid for all European patent applications, including European divisional applications and new applications filed on or after 1 April 2009, and for international applications entering into the regional phase on or after this date.

The new fee structure includes

• a two-tier structure for claims fees
• an additional fee on filing
• a flat-rate designation fee
• a flat-rate fee for grant and publication

EP(Oppo) plug-in for filing requests and other documents in

• opposition and appeal proceedings

This new plug-in comprises

• Form 2300 plus a number of further options for filing documents in opposition proceedings online with the EPO
• a change module for Form 1038 which allows users to file documents in appeal and review proceedings

Note: It is not possible to use this plug-in to file opposition documents with the EPO via the PMS interface. This function will be implemented at a later date.

The content of this update consists of

• the addition of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia as a new EPO member state
• maintenance table and fee updates compliant with the January 2009 release of PCT-SAFE, including a reduction in the international search fee and the fee for international preliminary examinations carried out on international applications in favour of nationals of certain states (see also OJ EPO 11/08)
• enabling of the July 2008 rule changes for RO/IB in the EPO Online Filing client

PCT-SAFE build 204 with 1 July 2008 modifications:

• PDF files created with Amyuni 3.03 can be added to international applications.
• The PDF request is generated and displayed when an international application is generated from a template.
• A solution has been found to the rarely encountered problem which involved the confirmation certificate for an earlier filing being transmitted together with an application, resulting in an error message at the user end during the filing process.

V4 (build 228)

09-09-2008

PMS/gateway interface:

• Special interface for communication with your own patent management system.
• You can create applications via the patent management system's graphical user interface.
• You can use the Online Filing software to send applications to the EPO, WIPO or one of the national offices directly from your patent management system.

Soft certificates

• Signing with soft certificates is now also possible for non-EP procedures; for information on country-specific rulings and the soft certificates allowed, contact the relevant national offices.

Operating system

• Compatibility with the MS Vista SP1 operating system.

EPC 2000

• All forms are EPC 2000-compliant - old forms can be read but not edited.

What's new in File Manager

• Data from a sent application can be reused in a new subsequent filing: from EP(1001E2K) to EP(1038E) and from PCT/RO/101 to Euro-PCT(1200E2K).
• All available forms are grouped by type of procedure.
• You can create separate folders and subfolders for templates just like you can for applications.

Improvements in User Administration

• Folders can be assigned to individual groups in User Administration.
• Certain folders (including template folders) can be made available for specific groups.

Changes in System Preferences

• Certain Online Filing features can be changed specifically for this installation using runtime variables.

Changes in User Preferences

• The language on the user screen does not have to match the procedural language (settings can be made independently of one another).
• Each user can make individual network settings.

Other improvements

• The Info function in the Help menu provides contact details for EPO Procedural and Technical Support, the build numbers as well as the installation type of all modules installed.
• The address book allows you to create multiple entries for persons with the same name or company name but different registration numbers.
• New countries and EP fees from 1.4.2008
• New PCT version dated 1.4.2008.
• New PCT fees from 1.7.2008.

Improvement of the Server Manager tool

• The Server Manager tool allows you to set options for the PMS gateway interface (if active).
• Live Update settings and the Live Update routine can be performed by an administrator in Server Manager.
• The new History function enables you to retrieve logs for all Online Filing services.