Filing an application

Routes

You have a choice of three different routes for patenting your invention:

• the European route,
• the international route or
• the national route.

Each option has its advantages, and the best solution for you will depend on your invention and the markets your company operates in.

If you decide to take the European route, the entire procedure is governed by the EPC alone. With the Euro-PCT route, the first, international phase is subject to the PCT, while the regional phase is primarily governed by the EPC.

If you are applying for protection in just one or two European countries, you may be better off filing your application with the national offices of the countries for which you are seeking protection.

Applications at the EPO 

The EPO handles patent applications for the contracting states to the European Patent Convention (EPC) and certain extension states, and also international applications under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).

It accepts applications submitted by post or fax, or online using the tools offered by EPO Online Services. You cannot file European patent applications with the EPO by e-mail, telegram, telex or teletext.

Languages 

The European Patent Office has three official languages: English, French and German. An application may be filed in any language in order to obtain a filing date. A translation into one of the EPO's official languages must be submitted within two months thereafter.

The filing language/language of translation will be the language of the proceedings before the EPO.