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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 40 Date of filing
Rule 40[36]
Date of filing 
Art. 14, 54, 60, 66, 78, 79, 80, 83, 84, 90
R. 30, 41, 42, 43, 49, 55, 56, 143
(1)
The date of filing of a European patent application shall be the date on which the documents filed by the applicant contain: 
(a)
an indication that a European patent is sought; 
(b)
information identifying the applicant or allowing the applicant to be contacted; and 
(c)
a description or reference to a previously filed application. 
(2)
A reference to a previously filed application under paragraph 1(c) shall state the filing date and number of that application and the Office with which it was filed. Such reference shall indicate that it replaces the description and any drawings.
(3)
Where the application contains a reference under paragraph 2, a certified copy of the previously filed application shall be filed within two months of filing the application. Where the previously filed application is not in an official language of the European Patent Office, a translation thereof in one of these languages shall be filed within the same period. Rule 53, paragraph 2, shall apply mutatis mutandis.
 
[36] See decision/opinion of the Enlarged Board of Appeal G 2/95, G 4/98 (Annex I).
References
Art. 14, 54, 60, 66, 78, 79, 80, 83, 84, 90
R. 30, 41, 42, 43, 49, 55, 56, 143
 
Cross-reference list
EPC EPC 1973
R. 40Art. 80