https://www.epo.org/en/node/transfers-and-licences-changes-1-april-2024
Transfers and licences: changes from 1 April 2024
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Electronic signatures will be enabled and the administrative fee abolished.
Marking another important milestone in the digitalisation and simplification of its procedures, the EPO launches a new concept applicable from 1 April 2024 for the registration of transfers of rights and licences for EP and UP procedures.
Broad range of electronic signatures accepted
From 1 April 2024, the EPO will accept digital signatures on contracts and declarations submitted as evidence to support requests for the above registrations, as well as facsimile signatures and text string signatures.
MyEPO Portfolio
The EPO will offer the possibility of filing these requests in MyEPO Portfolio. No administrative fee will be due where they are filed via MyEPO Portfolio.
Further information
Decision of the President of the European Patent Office dated 9 February 2024 concerning signatures on contracts and declarations under Rules 22 and 85 and Rule 23 EPCDecision of the President of the European Patent Office dated 9 February 2024 concerning signatures on contracts and declarations relating to European patents with unitary effectNotice from the European Patent Office dated 9 February 2024 concerning revised Rule 22 EPCDecision of the President of the European Patent Office dated 25 January 2024 revising the Office's fees and expensesImplementing Regulations to the EPCMyEPO services