Quick Navigation

Print
 

The European Patent Convention

 
 
Table of Contents - The European Patent Convention
Implementing Regulations to the Convention on the Grant of European Patents
Part III Implementing Regulations to Part III of the Convention
Chapter I Filing of the European patent application
Rule 37 Forwarding of European patent applications
Rule 37
Forwarding of European patent applications 
Art. 135
R. 35, 45, 112, 134
(1)
The central industrial property office of a Contracting State shall forward European patent applications to the European Patent Office in the shortest time compatible with its national law relating to the secrecy of inventions in the interests of the State, and shall take all appropriate steps to ensure such forwarding within: 
(a)
six weeks of filing, where the subject of the application is evidently not liable to secrecy under the national law; or 
(b)
four months of filing or, if priority has been claimed, fourteen months of the date of priority, where the application requires further examination as to its liability to secrecy. 
(2)
A European patent application not received by the European Patent Office within fourteen months of filing or, if priority has been claimed, of the date of priority, shall be deemed to be withdrawn. Any fees paid in respect of this application shall be refunded. 
References
Art. 135
R. 35, 45, 112, 134
 
Cross-reference list
EPC EPC 1973
R. 37Art. 77