Activating your smart card

Did you know that you have to activate your new smart card?

In a move towards smarter automation, the procedure for smart card distribution and use has recently undergone some changes.

Since November 2012, all new smart cards issued to new or existing users are now dispatched by courier. For security reasons, the PIN is sent separately by post a few days later. However, these new cards still need to be activated for use at the EPO. And if you want to file with a national patent office, your smart card will also need to be activated on that office's website.

Process

So once you have received your new smart card and PIN, and have the latest software installed, please activate your smart card:

• For the EPO: by going to http://www.epo.org/activate-smart-card - Activate EPO smart card
• For a national office (where applicable): by going to the website of that office and following the relevant instructions.

You should now have smart card access and be able to use our online services including online filing. For the latest smart card software and any further issues, please contact us.