Do I need to be represented before the EPO?
Applicants who do not have their residence or principal place of business in an EPC contracting state must appoint a representative and act through them in all EPC proceedings other than in filing the European patent application (which includes all acts leading to the accordance of a date of filing), initiating the European phase of an international (PCT) application within the applicable time limit or paying fees.
Representation can be undertaken by a professional representative (Art. 133(2) EPC), a legal practitioner (Art. 134(8) EPC) or an association of representatives (Rule 152(11) EPC).
A searchable online database of professional representatives is available on the EPO website.
Applicants who have their residence or principal place of business in an EPC contracting state are not obliged to appoint a representative. However, in view of the complexity of the EP patent grant procedure, they are strongly encouraged to do so. Applicants may also be represented by an employee, who does not need to be a professional representative or legal practitioner but must be authorised (Art. 133(3) EPC).