Latest MyEPO improvements: application progress tracking, bulk PACE requests and more
As of 1 October, MyEPO users can track the progress of key procedural steps of their applications through a new timeline panel. They can also submit requests for accelerated examination of multiple applications under PACE, the programme for accelerated prosecution of European patent applications, using a single action.
These improvements form part of the EPO's ongoing efforts to improve its MyEPO services by introducing new features that simplify the management of applications throughout the patent granting process.
New timeline panel makes tracking application progress easier
The application view in MyEPO now features a new panel, further expanding the range of tools that provide users with easy access to application-specific information. The new timeline panel offers a clear overview of an application's progress, enhancing transparency. It shows the procedural steps that have been completed, the application's current stage and the next expected step.
The timeline panel is available for European patent applications that have reached the search stage or for which a request for examination has been filed. At present, the timeline panel displays selected key procedural events up to the end of the examination proceedings. Information on future procedural steps and dates is provided for general guidance only and is based on the average progression of proceedings in the relevant technical field.
In addition to providing a visual overview of the application's progress, the timeline panel enables users to perform two actions directly.
- For applications under examination, users can request accelerated examination under the PACE programme.
- Users can submit an enquiry about the progress of an application.
More information on the timeline panel can be found in the guide available on the EPO website as well as in the notice from the EPO dated 11.9.2026 (OJ EPO 2026, A45).
Bulk requests for accelerated examination of multiple applications
The PACE programme allows users to request accelerated examination of a European patent application without paying an additional fee.
As part of the ongoing expansion of actions available through bulk requests, users can now submit PACE requests for accelerated examination of multiple applications at the same time.
This new option simplifies the process for users managing larger patent portfolios by allowing several eligible applications to be included in a single bulk request. Requests must be submitted using the dedicated bulk-request functionality in MyEPO.
More information can be found in the notice from the EPO dated 11.9.2026 (OJ EPO 2026, A44).
DOCX definition updated to improve accessibility
Since 1 April 2026, documents relating to EP and UP proceedings can be filed with the EPO in DOCX format, provided they comply with the definition of DOCX published by the EPO. Following user feedback and experience gained during the first few months of implementation, the EPO has updated the DOCX definition to improve accessibility.
The revised definition enables all users to prepare compliant DOCX files while ensuring that the documents can be processed by the EPO. Users do not need to make any changes to their existing filing practices, and the notice from the EPO dated 25 March 2026 continues to apply (OJ 2026, A22; see also the corresponding decision of the President of the EPO concerning the electronic filing of documents, OJ 2026, A19).
Further information on the updated DOCX definition (version 4) can be found in the Official Journal (OJ EPO 2026, A46; OJ EPO 2026, A47) and in the feature guide on the use of DOCX.
Further improvements to MyEPO
Following user feedback, several additional improvements have been made.
- Users managing their own associations can now delete associations that are no longer required.
- Pending actions can now be deleted when they have the status "Draft", "Ready to sign" or "Ready to send".
- The handling of bulk requests has been standardised across different request types.
- Simplified user administration through the new possibility for linking MyEPO "companies" to Online Filing 2.0 "organisations".
Looking ahead
As the patent granting process moves towards full digitalisation in April 2027, the EPO will continue to develop its online services in close collaboration with the user community.
Upcoming developments include:
- AI-assisted support when working with applications
- expanded functionality for submitting bulk requests
- the inclusion of active PCT applications handled by the EPO in application and patent listings
- the redesign of MyEPO interfaces to align with the modernised homepage
Patent granting process fully digital from 1 April 2027
From 1 April 2027, the EPO's patent granting process will be fully digital and paperless. This transition marks the culmination of a decade of close consultation and collaboration with stakeholders and reflects the successful adoption of the EPO's online services by the vast majority of users. Under the new rules, patent applications and other documents must be filed electronically, while other interactions with the EPO will also be conducted through the relevant online services. For further information, visit our dedicated website.
