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5.1
General 
5.1.001
Before the end of the international phase, applicants must decide whether and where they want to proceed with their international application in the national/regional phase before the designated/elected Offices. 
5.1.002
Applicants wishing to obtain a European patent must enter what is known as "the European phase", which means that they must fulfil the requirements (see points 5.2.001 ff) for initiating the processing of their application by the EPO as designated or elected Office in due time (see point 5.1.010).
When is the EPO a designated or elected Office?
When must the applicant decide on the territorial scope of protection sought for the European patent?
When must the European phase be initiated before the EPO as designated or elected Office?
What is the language of the proceedings in the European phase?
How and where should the applicant initiate the procedure before the EPO as a designated/elected Office (Form 1200)?
Can the applicant request early processing?
Accelerated prosecution of applications - the "PACE" programme

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