What are the formal requirements for a valid authorisation?

The authorisation must be signed by the party or, in the case of a sub-authorisation, by the appointed representative. Authorisations on behalf of more than one applicant must be signed by all parties.

We strongly recommend using EPO Form 1003 (individual authorisation) or 1004 (general authorisation) (or 7003/7004 for Unitary Patent proceedings) available for download on the EPO website. Individual authorisations must include the relevant application number(s).

General authorisations, on the other hand, do not have to include the application number(s), provided that they clearly cover the types of proceedings for which they are submitted. Furthermore, general authorisations for employees who are neither professional representatives nor legal practitioners within the meaning of Article 134(8) EPC may be registered and managed online using MyEPO (see the MyEPO feature guide).

An authorisation must be authenticated by a handwritten signature, a facsimile signature, a text string signature or a digital signature under the conditions specified by the EPO – see the decision of the President of the EPO dated 7 July 2025 (OJ EPO 2025, A45). Where a digital signature is used, the authorisation must be filed electronically. The authorisation must also include the signatory's name and, in the case of legal persons, their position within the company.

Please note that, since 1 December 2025, the EPO no longer registers or updates general authorisations for professional representatives, legal practitioners or associations.

For more information, see What kinds of authorisation can be filed with the EPO?