Online Filing

Overview
https://www.epo.org/en/applying/myepo-services/file-with-us/online-filing/comparison-table

Online filing options comparison table

Online filing options comparison table

What it is

Online Filing 2.0 ePCT 

It is a web-based application – no need for updates at the user’s end.

You prepare your PDF or XML documents offline (except for the request).  

Your documents are stored on the EPO server during the whole process and can be retrieved and re-used.  

A receipt is issued immediately upon filing. 

It is a web-based application; this means that there is no need for updates at the user’s end. You prepare your documents (except the request) offline in PDF or DOCX (converted within ePCT to XML) and submit them.  

Your documents are stored on the IB's server during the whole process and can be retrieved and re-used at any time later on.  

A receipt is issued immediately upon filing. 

Supported procedures

Online Filing 2.0 ePCT 
  • EP 1001
  • EP 1200 (Euro-PCT)
  • EP 2300 (Notice of opposition)
  • EP 1038 (including filing, search, examination, opposition, limitation and revocation)
  • PCT/RO/101 
  • PCT SFD (subsequent action)
  • PCT/IPEA/401 
  • UP 7000 (Request for unitary effect)
  • UP 7038 (European patent with unitary effect – Letter accompanying subsequently filed items)
  • EP3002E (Notice of appeal)
  • EP 1038 (appeal) 
  • PCT/RO/101 
  • PCT demand (PCT/IPEA/401). See Actions > Submit Chapter II Demand 
  • Upload of subsequently filed documents to the EPO as RO, ISA or IPEA 

Not supported procedures

Online Filing 2.0 ePCT 
  • Filing with national offices 
  • EP 1001
  • EP 1200 (Euro-PCT)
  • EP 1038
  • EP Oppo (opposition)
  • National office filings 

Requirements

Online Filing 2.0 ePCT 
  • Users have to enrol and they obtain a username and password within minutes
  • It requires additional authentication by uploading a digital certificate to a WIPO user account, or by entering a one-time password generated by app or received by text message (SMS) 

Access/ level of security 

Online Filing 2.0 ePCT 
The two-step authentication is used to access the application and is needed during the whole process, including signing. Account management enables certain actions to be restricted to certain users. 

Service is provided via a secure internet connection.  

Account management enables sharing of rights with other users (ehandshake). 

Format of documents 

Online Filing 2.0 ePCT 
  • PDF or XML format
  • Sequence listings (ST26) 
  • PDF, DOCX converted to XML, XML, sequence listings in TXT (ST26) 

Who it is recommended for

Online Filing 2.0 ePCT 
All users All users 

Link to more information

Online Filing 2.0 ePCT