1.7 Application numbering systems

The patent application numbering system currently in use was introduced in 2002 (see OJ EPO 2001, 465).

The application number consists of nine digits. The first two digits reflect the filing year. The next six digits are assigned sequentially in the order in which the applications are received at the place of filing, starting from the lowest number within a specific range of six-digit numbers. The specific number range reflects the place of filing. Where applicable, the range is subdivided into two ranges to distinguish between applications filed electronically and on paper. The last (ninth) digit is a check digit.

For international applications designating "EP" (Euro-PCT applications), the first digit within the dedicated range for the six-digit number is "7", "8" or "9" and does not reflect the place or method of filing.

1.7.1Applications filed before 1 January 2002

For applications filed before 1 January 2002, the following numbering system applies:

The application number consists of nine digits. The first two digits (from left to right) indicate the filing year. The last (ninth) digit is a check digit. The third digit or third and fourth digits indicate(s) the place of filing.

The remaining digits are used for consecutively numbering the applications in the order in which they arrive at the place of filing.

International applications filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) and designating "EP" (Euro-PCT applications) receive the digit "7", "8" or "9" as the third digit.

1.7.2Applications filed on or after 1 January 2002

For applications filed on or after 1 January 2002, the following numbering system applies:

The application number consists of nine digits. The first two digits (from left to right) indicate the filing year. The last (ninth) digit is a check digit. The remaining six digits in between are used for consecutively numbering the applications in the order in which they arrive at the place of filing, starting from the lowest number within a specific range of six-digit numbers. The specific range reflects the place of filing. Where applicable, the range is subdivided into two ranges to distinguish between online and paper filings.

For international applications designating "EP" (Euro-PCT applications), the dedicated range for the six-digit number within the application number uses "7", "8" or "9" as the third digit and does not reflect the place or method of filing.

A list of the number ranges introduced in 2002, along with, where appropriate, the corresponding places of filing, is published in OJ EPO 2001, 465.