Fully digital patent granting process as of 1 April 2027: what you need to know and do

From 1 April 2027, the European Patent Office's patent granting process (PGP) becomes fully digital. This transition forms part of the EPO’s broader digital strategy and marks the culmination of a decade of close consultation and collaboration with stakeholders, careful preparation, and the widespread adoption of the EPO’s online services by the vast majority of users.

Under the new rules, patent applications and other documents must be filed electronically, EPO communications will be notified electronically only, and interactions with the EPO must take place through the applicable online services.

MyEPO services are the EPO's secure online services which enable you to interact with the EPO digitally throughout the patent granting process as well as in PCT, opposition, appeal and Unitary Patent proceedings.

This page explains what will change, what you need to do and where to find support, whether you already use MyEPO services or are using them for the first time.

Check our website for upcoming seminars to help you familiarise yourself with the tools involved