EPO publishes first implementing measures for fully digital patent granting process ahead of 1 April 2027 transition
Following the Administrative Council’s decision in March 2026 paving the way for a fully digital and paperless patent granting process (PGP) from 1 April 2027, the European Patent Office (EPO) has published a first set of implementing decisions and an accompanying notice.
Published well in advance of their entry into force, the decisions give users clarity on the future framework and sufficient time to prepare for the transition. The accompanying notice explains how the measures will operate in practice and clarifies the consequences of submitting documents on paper or where electronic notification is not possible.
A dedicated webpage has also been launched to support users with practical guidance and information.
What the first implementing measures cover
From 1 April 2027, the new decisions and accompanying notice provide the framework for the:
- mandatory electronic submission or resubmission of applications and other documents
- electronic-only notification
- mandatory electronic filing of third-party observations
Together, the decisions and accompanying notice set out the online services accepted by the EPO, the conditions governing their use, any exceptions to the electronic form, and the consequences of not complying with the new requirements:
- Online Filing 2.0 will be the standard tool for filing European patent applications and international (PCT) applications with the EPO, as well as for subsequent documents.
- Subsequent documents may also be filed using MyEPO, where applicable.
- Documents exceptionally submitted on paper must be resubmitted electronically within two months of an invitation from the EPO.
- Electronic notifications from the EPO will be sent to the Mailbox in MyEPO, without parallel paper notification.
- Notifications that cannot be effected electronically because the addressee has no active Mailbox will be effected by public notice.
- For PCT proceedings, notifications via PCT Link in the Mailbox and WIPO’s ePCT will remain available.
- Third-party observations must be filed electronically.
Further legal, procedural and technical measures will be published in the period leading up to 1 April 2027. These will include provisions concerning safeguards and public notification, revisions to existing decisions and notices to reflect the new requirements for electronic filing and notification, as well as updates to the EP, PCT and Unitary Patent Guidelines. Users will be informed through various channels.
New webpage to help users prepare
Alongside these implementing measures, the EPO has also launched a dedicated webpage for users. It brings together all available guidance and practical information, provides an overview of the changes and highlights actions users may need to take, depending on how they currently interact with the EPO. The webpage will be regularly updated with further implementing measures, as well as practical and technical information, as these become available in the period leading up to 1 April 2027.
Upcoming seminars
To support users through the transition, the EPO will organise a series of online seminars in the coming months covering Online Filing 2.0 and MyEPO. Sessions will be available for both new and experienced users, providing practical guidance on the tools. Information on upcoming seminars and registration details is available on the EPO‘s website (see link below) as well as from be new webpage for users dedicated to the transition.
