Montenegro accedes to the London Agreement
For European patents granted with effect for Montenegro on or after 1 August 2025, no Montenegrin language translation of the European patent specification need be supplied if the patent is granted in English or if an English translation of the patent is supplied. However, a Montenegrin language translation of the claims must always be supplied.
On 9 April 2025, Montenegro deposited its instrument of accession to the London Agreement (OJ EPO 2001, 549) which aims at reducing the costs relating to the translation of European patents. Under its Article 6(2), the agreement enters into force for Montenegro as 23rd contracting state on 1 August 2025.
For European patents granted with effect for Montenegro on or after 1 August 2025, no Montenegrin language translation of the European patent specification need be supplied if the patent is granted in English or if an English translation of the patent is supplied in accordance with Article 65(1) EPC; a Montenegrin language translation of the claims must always be supplied.
The new rules do not apply to European patents amended in opposition, appeal or limitation proceedings which were granted before 1 August 2025 and amended on or after that date.
A similar regime to substantially reduce translation cost is available for users validating their European patents as Unitary Patents.
Further information on the London Agreement and Unitary Patent may be obtained from the EPO website.
