New Patent Filing Tool in Spain and Lithuania
The IT cooperation programme is an ambitious initiative covering a wide range of tools and applications used by the national offices, the EPO, and applicants.
One of the key projects of this programme is the development of national online filing tools, in collaboration with national patent offices and end-users to provide a modern and user-friendly interface for patent applicants. In December, two offices (the Lithuanian State Patent Bureau and Spanish Oficina Española de Patentes y Marcas) successfully implemented the new Front Office filing software.
Applicants from those countries have successfully filed more than 460 filings of different types, including among others, national and European patents and supplementary protection certificates, using this modern tool.
This has a direct positive impact on applicants who can now rely on a modern filing tool covering all patent procedures. The new Front Office filing software will be implemented in more national offices in the coming months.
Further information:
Related items
Engaging with the EPO’s largest user community
Renewed Memorandum of Understanding and a new Work Plan advance the link between patents and standards
Growing European network of patent information centres raises IP awareness and assists local inventors with patent protection
Supporting applicants with patent information, timely search reports and an 80% search fee reduction
EPO-Serbia partnership highlighted at international conference in Belgrade
Strengthening collaboration with the Japan Patent Attorneys Association
Vice-President Christoph Ernst highlights epi’s role in advancing patent profession, education and quality
High-level meetings held with ministers, national offices and users in Germany, the UK and Italy
The EPO holds a workshop with young leaders during event in Munich from 3 to 6 November
EPO, JPO and USPTO discuss the use of advanced technologies to improve patent quality and efficiency
Offices announce plans for PCT pilot programme from March 2026 and strengthen co-operation on classification
Focus on quality, AI and shared standards
Casablanca event, hosted by OMPIC, marks one year of the Alliance fostering global IP co-operation
Launching dialogue with the generics and biosimilars industry association
EPO President Campinos speaks on a panel at Expo 2025 Osaka and meets Japanese user associations
Technology trends, powerful tools and co-operation to shape Europe's competitiveness
Strengthening collaboration with the Korean Patent Attorneys Association
The high-level meeting in Munich highlights achievements of the validation agreement and future co-operation between Europe and Morocco
Quality, Unitary Patent, SMEs and user feedback were on the agenda