EP full-text data

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A bulk data collection including the full text in machine-readable format of all patent applications and granted patent specifications published by the EPO since it was set up in 1978.

Download a sample file

This bulk data set is available in XML and PDF/A as frontfile and backfile data.

With EP full-text data you can:

  • access the full text of the entire collection of EP publications (A and B)
  • download weekly frontfiles
  • search the complete EP full-text collection using your own search interface, in-house database or search engine
Getting started
  1. Check the sample data and information on the main features of our bulk data sets.
  2. Order the product from csc@epo.org
  3. You will receive user name and password for the download area by e-mail.
Conditions
 Coverage  
  • EP-A documents from 1978 onwards
  • EP-B documents from 1980 onwards
European patent applications (EP-A documents) filed via the PCT route and published by WIPO in one of the three official languages of the EPO are not republished by the EPO. For these cases, only minimum information is available (EP publication, corresponding PCT application number, etc.)
 Format XML ST36 and PDF/A 
 Volume Frontfile: approx. 4 GB (zipped)
Backfile: approx. 2.23 TB (zipped)
 Delivery Current data (frontfile) is available as a weekly download.
Publication takes place every Wednesday, at 14.00 hrs CET.
Backfile data is available for download.
 Price

Please visit our shop for prices.

The EPO's bulk data sets are also referred to as "raw data products" or "EPO databases". 

The terms and conditions for licensing of EPO databases apply.

Further information

The EPO has a legal obligation to publish the patent applications it receives (EP-A documents) and the patents it grants (EP-B documents).

A weekly file containing all EP-A and EP-B documents for that week is published every Wednesday at 14.00 hrs.

Where to find European patent documents

Sources of information on national phase entries of EP patents

EP authority file (cumulative list of EP publication numbers)

Cross-reference index for Euro-PCT applications

Related products

You might also be interested in these products and services, which are similar or include the same data:

European Publication Server

EP full-text search

Talk to EPO experts or get help from other users

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To choose the best-suited data set or web service for your needs, email patentdata@epo.org and request an online consultation via Microsoft Teams, Zoom or Skype.