What are the formal requirements for a valid authorisation?

The authorisation must be signed by the applicant 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 applicants. We strongly recommend using EPO Forms 1003 (individual authorisation) or 1004 (general authorisation) available on the EPO website. 

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 8 July 2024, OJ EPO 2024, A75, and the notice from the EPO dated 8 July 2024, OJ EPO 2024, A77). Where a digital signature is used, the authorisation must be filed electronically. The name and, in the case of legal persons, their position within the company, must be given.