Filing options

There are a number of options for filing European patent applications with the European Patent Office.

Online filing

European patent applications can be filed online using either the EPO’s Online Filing software, the Online Filing 2.0 or the Webform Filing service.

By post or hand

Applications for European patents can be filed by post or hand at the EPO's headquarters in Munich, its branch in The Hague and its Berlin sub-office. 

Using a courier service

If you use a courier service to send documents to the EPO, please use one of the EPO's street addresses. For Munich, please send documents to the PschorrHöfe address.

Filing via an automated mailbox

Automated mailboxes, which can be used at any time, are located in Munich (next to the EPO building in Zollstrasse) and Berlin (next to the entrance at Gitschiner Strasse 103). There is no automated mailbox in The Hague, but documents may be handed in to the porter at any time outside office hours.

It is not possible to file European patent applications or any other document with the EPO by email.

Filing with the national patent offices

European patent applications can also be filed with the central industrial property offices of participating contracting states.