https://www.epo.org/en/service-support/website-updates/epo-offices-closed-23-december-2023-1-january-2024

EPO offices closed from 23 December 2023 to 1 January 2024

EPO offices closed from 23 December 2023 to 1 January 2024

Our offices will be closed over the holiday period from 23 December 2023 to 1 January 2024 inclusive. They will open again on 2 January 2024. Our customer support will be available during business hours throughout the closure period.

This means that, in accordance with Rule 134(1) EPC, all time limits for filing documents and making payments that expire between 23 December 2023 and 1 January 2024 will be extended until 2 January 2024. For PCT procedures this applies mutatis mutandis in accordance with Rule 80.5 PCT.

Users can nevertheless continue to submit documents to the EPO during this period, preferably via MyEPO services. The automated mailboxes (located at Munich's PschorrHöfe building and in Berlin) will also be unaffected by this closure and can be used at any time. Outside office hours, documents may be handed to the porter at any of the EPO filing offices. Our customer support will be available during business hours throughout the closure period.

Further information

Contact us Notice from the European Patent Office dated 14 November 2022 concerning the days on which EPO filing offices are closed in 2023 (OJ EPO 2022, A107) Notice from the European Patent Office dated 11 September 2023 concerning the days on which EPO filing offices are closed in 2024 (OJ EPO 2023, A80) EPO ‒ Office holidays Rule 134(1) EPC – Extension of periods MyEPO services Decision of the President of the European Patent Office dated 3 May 2023 concerning the electronic filing of documents (OJ EPO 2023, A48) Decision of the President of the European Patent Office dated 9 October 2023 concerning the web-based online service MyEPO Portfolio and electronic notification to the Mailbox (OJ EPO 2023, A89)