INFORMATION FROM THE EPO
Warning - Beware of approaches and requests for payment from firms purporting to register European patents
Numerous applicants and patent proprietors have informed the European Patent Office that firms and individuals using official-sounding names have been inviting them to register patents in unofficial registers or publications. High fees are generally charged, for which the patent applicant or proprietor receives no real service.
The European Patent Office would point out that it alone performs legally effective publication and registration of European patent applications or patents, and that it does so automatically.
The European Patent Office warns all concerned to guard against the subterfuges of such firms and individuals. You should also be aware that because their services have no legal effect whatsoever, there is no obligation to pay.
If in doubt, please contact either your representative or the European Patent Office Munich (Tel.: (+49-89) 23 99 - 45 12).