Article 17

EUROPEAN PATENT OFFICE

Information from the EPO

Decision of the President of the European Patent Office dated 9 February 2024 concerning signatures on contracts and declarations under Rules 22 and 85 and Rule 23 EPC

The President of the European Patent Office,

Having regard to Article 72 EPC, Rule 22(1) EPC as amended by the Administrative Council on 14 December 20231 and Rule 2(2) EPC,

Has decided as follows:

Article 1

Signature

Contracts and declarations submitted as evidence to support requests for the registration of a transfer of rights under Rules 22 and 85 EPC and requests for the registration or cancellation of the registration of licences or other rights under Rules 23 and 24 EPC may be authenticated by a handwritten signature, a facsimile signature,2 a text string signature3 or a digital signature under the conditions specified by the EPO.4

Article 2

Entry into force

This decision enters into force on 1 April 2024.

Done at Munich, 9 February 2024

António CAMPINOS

President