https://www.epo.org/en/about-us/timeline
History
A look back at the history of the European Patent Convention, the Organisation and the Office.
50 years European Patent Convention
Discover the planned activities
1970s
European Patent Convention signed in Munich and European Patent Office begins work.
1980s
EPO grants first patents and first ESPACE CD-ROMs produced.
Image
1990s
EPOQUE provides electronic search tools and Espacenet launched.
2000s
First patent applications filed online and Munich Diplomatic Conference adopts EPC revisions (EPC 2000).
Image
2010s
European Parliament approves legislation to create Unitary Patent and 25 EU member states sign Agreement on Unified Patent Court.
2020s
Digitalisation of workflows massively accelerates in light of COVID-19 pandemic