International applications (PCT)

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Euro-PCT Guide

A guide for applicants interested in filing an international patent application with the EPO as a receiving office. It also covers procedures before the EPO as an international authority under the PCT and gives information about entry into the European phase.

EPO decisions and notices

A collection of links to important decisions and notices from the EPO related to the PCT procedure.

Filing options

International applications can be filed with the EPO as receiving office: 

• online or
• by fax, by post or in person

PCT resources

Links to legal provisions and other resources, including forms, made available by the World Intellectual Property Organization

PCT fees

Information on fees for the PCT procedure.

Extension/validation request

At the request of the applicant, international patent applications entering the European phase may be extended to or validated in third countries for which an extension or validation agreement has entered into force.