Get access

To access MyEPO Portfolio, Online Filing 2.0, Online Filing (eOLF) and Central Fee Payment, you will need to sign in via your EPO account using two-factor authentication.

I don't have an EPO smart card. How do I create an EPO account that uses two-factor authentication?

Go to the Create an EPO account page.

After you've entered your first name, last name and email address, and selected Create account, we'll email you an invitation to set a password for your new account. Selecting the button in the email will open a window where you can set a password. Then you must set up one or more second-factor authentication methods.

You’ll need to use two-factor authentication to access our secure services and to make changes to your EPO account settings.

During the setup process, you'll be asked to accept our terms and conditions. You'll also be able to consult our data protection and privacy policy.

For more information please see:
MyEPO Portfolio feature guide: your EPO account and two-factor authentication

I already have an EPO smart card. How do I start using two-factor authentication?

Go to the EPO sign-in page.

Select Sign in using smart card. After entering your email address, you’ll be asked to set a password. Then you must set up one or more second-factor authentication methods.

During this process, you'll be asked to accept our terms and conditions. You'll also be able to consult our data protection and privacy policy.

Once you've set up two-factor authentication, you can sign in using two-factor authentication or your EPO smart card (which you can use, unless it has expired, until the end of 2024).

For more information please see:
MyEPO Portfolio feature guide: your EPO account and two-factor authentication

What methods can I use for two-factor authentication?

You first use the default authentication method, a combination of email address and password. Then use at least one other verification method. We currently support:

• Google Authenticator: enter the single-use code generated by this app
• Okta Verify: enter the single-use code generated by this app
• Text message (SMS): enter the single-use code sent to your mobile phone by text message
• Email: enter the single-use code sent to the email address associated with your EPO account

EPO smart cards

FAQ

FAQ on EPO account

FAQ on Phasing out the use of smart cards in 2024

FAQ on smart cards

How does the smart card work

The European Patent Organisation provides authorised users of its Online Services with smart cards for use with digital signatures.

Smart cards are highly secure devices that encrypt signatures. To add your digital signature, all you have to do is insert your smart card into the reader and type your PIN when prompted (you will need to have installed the smart card software first before you can do this).

Online Services smart cards are created by a certification agency. They contain:

• the user's private key
• the user's public key
• a certificate confirming that this public key has been allocated to the user

Inserting your smart card

Before you insert your card, make sure that your smart card reader is switched on and working properly. The light on the side of the reader should be blinking.

Once you have inserted your card, the light will stop blinking.

Smart card actions

Enrol for EPO smart card
Submit a first-time request for an EPO smart card

Renew EPO smart card (existing card still valid)
Submit a request for renewal of an existing EPO smart card that has not yet expired

Renew EPO smart card (existing card already expired)
Submit a request for renewal of an existing EPO smart card that has already expired

Activate EPO smart card
Submit a request for activation of an EPO smart card

Register non-EPO smart card
Submit a first-time request for registration of an EPO-affiliated smart card (card not issued by EPO)

Register replacement non-EPO smart card
Submit a request for registration of a replacement EPO-affiliated smart card (card not issued by EPO).

Applying for a smart card

• Complete the online request form.

• Upon receipt of your online request form, the EPO will process your request and forward it to the smart card supplier.
• You will receive your inactivated smart card within 20 days
• The personal identification number (PIN) of your smart card will be sent to you separately.
• The PIN, together with instructions for activating your smart card, should be received by regular mail within the next three working days.

Software installation and smart card activation

Before using your smart card, you need to install cryptovision software on your PC so that the smart card can be activated.

Please follow the instructions on the Installation and activation page

Departure of a smart card holder

Did you know that whenever any of your employees owning a smart card leaves your company a few actions need to be taken?

When a user with a smart card leaves your company/organisation, you must do the following:

1. Inform EPO Customer Services either using the contact form, by phone or via e-mail to support@epo.org. Customer Services will then ensure that the user's smart card is no longer linked to your company.
2. Meanwhile your company administrator must remove the rights to all online services via the Administration page on EPO website so that the relevant smart card can no longer be used to make payments, for instance, from your company's deposit account. More information on how to do this can be found in our FAQs.
3. Attention: these actions must be performed even if you have already sent a request for withdrawal of representation in respect of the relevant user (via MyFiles).
4. If the user is registered for the Online Filing 2.0 service, your company administrator should remove his or her user account via Managing access rights, as explained in the User guide (section 17).

Legal Documents

Certificate Policy (PDF)

Certification Practice Statement (PDF)

Terms and conditions for EPO smart cards and smart card readers (PDF)

Data Protection Statement on the processing of personal data in the context of EPO smart cards (PDF)