Colour and greyscale drawings accepted if submitted electronically

On 1 October 2025, the European Patent Office (EPO) implemented end-to-end support for colour and greyscale drawings. If filed electronically, colour and greyscale drawings will retain their characteristics throughout the entire digital patent granting process (PGP) and are no longer converted into black and white.

This feature enables users to present complex technical information more clearly, enhances how that information is displayed, and supports the EPO's commitment to delivering high-quality products and services as we move towards a fully digitalised and more user-friendly PGP.

At a glance

• Colour and greyscale drawings filed electronically retain their characteristics throughout the entire digital PGP, including when published on the European Publication Server, EPO Register and Espacenet.
• Colour drawings help ensure clarity where colour is relevant and therefore assist both examination and third parties.
• Electronic filing standards, as well as format and legibility requirements, continue to apply, ensuring legal certainty (continuity of practice).
• Filing of colour or greyscale drawings may not result in added subject matter and are subject to Article 123(2) or Article 76 EPC, where applicable.

Scope and implementation

• This new feature is available for all European patent applications filed as of 1 October 2025 and subsequent electronic filings, but subject to the substantive requirements of the EPC, e.g. when claiming priority.
• The practice for international phase PCT applications is not affected.
• Detailed information has been provided in a Notice from the EPO in the September edition of the Official Journal.

Looking ahead

The desktop-based Online Filing (eOLF) software will be discontinued on 31 December 2025. As of January 2026, the web-based Online Filing 2.0 (OLF 2.0) will be the standard tool for filing patent applications online. Other procedural requests may be submitted online using OLF 2.0 or, where possible, MyEPO. If you have questions regarding the use of eOLF with national patent offices, please contact the respective national office directly.