Can’t I just continue to use Online Filing (epoline eOLF) or Online Filing 2.0 to submit a 1038 form with these kind of requests about my applications to the EPO?

You can still do this but will be missing out on the advantages of using our new MyEPO Portfolio service for submitting these requests.

MyEPO Portfolio is the place to interact with us on your EP and PCT proceedings, whether for receiving and responding to communications from the EPO, requesting changes about your applications, or having a live interaction with an EPO examiner about your application content.

Replying to EPO communications and submitting procedural requests is made simple in MyEPO Portfolio.  Users receive step by step guidance on how to submit each reply or procedural request (particularly helpful for less experienced users), and any user with permission to work on your portfolios of applications can do it: attorneys, IP engineers, paralegal, formalities, and other IP support professionals. 

The key advantages of using MyEPO Portfolio versus filing a generic 1038 form are that you will spend less timing drafting cover letters or filling in generic 1038 forms – MyEPO Portfolio does it for you.  You will spend less time worrying about whether you are allowed to make the request or if your submission is complete – MyEPO checks this for you, helping reduce the likelihood of making time-consuming or costly mistakes.