3. Signature of documents
3.3 Form of signature
If documents are filed electronically using EPO Online Filing, the signature may take the form of a facsimile signature, a text-string signature or an enhanced electronic signature. Where documents are filed using Online Filing 2.0 or the EPO Contingency Upload Service, the signature may take the form of a facsimile signature or a text-string signature. Procedural actions performed in MyEPO Portfolio require a signature in the form of a text string (see OJ EPO 2024, A20). Authorisations may also be digitally signed (see OJ EPO 2024, A75OJ EPO 2025, A45, and OJ EPO 2024, A77).
A facsimile signature is a reproduction of the filing person's signature. A text-string signature is a string of characters, preceded and followed by a forward slash (/), selected by the signatory to prove their identity and intent to sign. An enhanced electronic signature is an electronic signature applied using two-factor authentication and accepted by the EPO (see OJ EPO 2024, A88OJ EPO 2025, A52).
For signatures accepted on electronically filed assignment documents, see E‑XIV, 3E‑XIII, 3.
For signatures accepted on electronically filed authorisations, see A‑VIII, 1.6A‑VIII, 1.7.
Where a document is filed on paper, a rubber stamp impression of a party's name, whether a natural or legal person, must be accompanied by a personal signature. Initials or other abbreviated forms will not be accepted as a signature.
Where the party concerned is a legal person, a document may in general be signed by any person who purports to sign on behalf of that legal person. The entitlement of a person signing on behalf of a legal person is not checked by the EPO, except where there is reason to believe that the person signing is not authorised and in that case evidence of authority to sign should be called for.