Article 44

EUROPEAN PATENT OFFICE

Information from the EPO

Notice from the European Patent Office dated 22 April 2024 concerning the decommissioning of certain online services

1. As previously announced, with effect from 1 July 2024, it will no longer be possible to access the EPO Mailbox using the old Mailbox service interface (generally referred to as "legacy Mailbox"), and the My Files service and Administration facility will no longer be available.1 MyEPO Portfolio incorporates and improves on these services while offering a more user-friendly interface and integrated access to other tools and additional functionalities.2

2. The only way to access the Mailbox will be via MyEPO Portfolio. On request, however, communications delivered to the Mailbox can also be downloaded via an application programming interface (API), which allows the automated exchange of data between IP management and EPO systems.

3. MyEPO Portfolio users can view their portfolio of applications and patents, as well as their opposition files. MyEPO Portfolio also allows professional representatives to notify the EPO of transfers of, or withdrawals from, representation. Company administrators can grant other users administration rights, access to the Mailbox as well as to user portfolios and fee payment rights. The MyEPO Portfolio feature guides provide more information.

4. The old Mailbox service interface, the My Files service and the Administration facility will continue to run in parallel to MyEPO Portfolio until 30 June 2024, after which these services will no longer be available.

5. Users are encouraged to switch to MyEPO Portfolio as soon as possible. It is accessible from the EPO website, where you can also find further information and training material.3