Searchable database of professional representatives to become more comprehensive and transparent
The European Patent Office will publish the full list of professional representatives before the EPO as from 3 February 2025
In line with the approach to digital transformation and enhanced transparency in the Strategic Plan 2028, the European Patent Office (EPO) will publish the full list of professional representatives before the EPO as a new and improved searchable database on its website as from 3 February 2025. More complete, the new database will comprise the same minimum set of data for each professional representative and will allow users to find a professional representative in an easy way based on different search criteria.
A professional representative – a qualified patent attorney with in-depth knowledge of applicable frameworks and practices – can be helpful for individuals, companies and other organisations seeking to obtain patent rights in Europe.
Every applicant from the EPC contracting states can choose whether or not to work with a professional representative on proceedings before the EPO. For applicants having their residence or place of business outside the EPC contracting states, the use of a professional representative is mandatory.
Finding a professional representative
To help users find a professional representative to represent them before the EPO, the Office maintains a publicly available searchable database on its website. The database allows users to filter representatives by country, city, address or name, and in addition provides each representative’s contact details where these have been made available.
This database is based on the list of some 14 000 professional representatives who are registered with the EPO and are thus entitled to represent parties before the EPO. As a rule, they have passed the European qualifying examination and demonstrated that they have practical experience. However, the current database is not complete since it does not contain all representatives registered with the EPO.
The new searchable database of professional representatives
As of 3 February 2025, all professional representatives registered with the EPO will be listed in a new searchable database. At the same time, the user search page will be enhanced to improve usability. The new searchable database will thus become more comprehensive and contain the following information on each professional representative:
- last name and first name(s)
- number of professional representative
- full postal address of the place of business or employment
- dates of entry and re-entry
- date of deletion
- telecommunication contact details if the professional representative has provided them and consented to their publication
This new enhanced searchable database will replace the monthly publication of the changes to the list of professional representatives in the Official Journal.
A pilot phase is currently underway to test the changes before full implementation in February. As a professional representative, it is advisable to check your data registered with the EPO in advance.
MyEPO services for professional representatives
Professional representatives before the EPO can register to use MyEPO services and thus fully benefit from the digital patent granting process. Within MyEPO Portfolio, the central hub of our online services, the EPO offers a dedicated “representative area” that caters to the administrative needs of professional representatives and their IP support staff. This is where they can manage their personal data.
Further information
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