Questions
General information
Smart cards and soft certificates
Technical requirements and software/hardware issues
Current filing and submission issues
Tools - templates - features
Appeal proceedings
National offices
Updates
Conversion issues (PDF, PatXML)
Filing of sequence listings
Signatures
PCT procedure and online submissions
Answers
General information
Where can I find the Online Filing software?
You can download the software here:
How much does it cost to use the Online Filing software?
Nothing. The service is free of charge.
What do I need from the EPO to file documents online?
You need a smart card, a smart card reader (including software) and the Online Filing software itself.
Where can I get a smart card?
You can order your smart card online. You will be sent a starter kit consisting of a smart card and a smart card reader. Your smart card is valid for five years.
Can I file patent applications via the EPO webpage www.epo.org?
Yes, you can. There are two ways of filing via our webpage:
- New online filing (CMS)
- Web-Form Filing
Please follow the links below for more information:
What documents can I file using the Online Filing software?
Using the Online Filing (OLF) software you can file the following documents with the EPO: EP (EP(1001E2K)), Euro-PCT (EP(1200E2K)), PCT (PCT/RO/101) applications as well as subsequent actions including appeals (EP(1038E)), EP (Oppo) documents and PCT subsequently filed documents (PCT-SFD) as well as PCT demands (PCT/IPEA/401). You can also file national patent applications (DE, FI, GB, NL, PL, SE, SK, and so on), EP(1001E2K) and PCT/RO/101 at national offices that accept submissions made using the Online Filing software.
Smart cards and soft certificates
Do I need a smart card to draw up patent applications using the Online Filing software?
You do not need a smart card to prepare applications, but you do need one to send your application online to the EPO and most of the national offices.
How can I verify that my smart card reader has been properly installed and that my smart card is recognised by my PC?
When opening the cryptovision Utility module, your smart card's token label and ID are displayed. This confirms that your smart card reader is working properly.
What are soft certificates and are they accepted by the EPO?
A soft certificate is a file which contains certificates which are similar to those on a smart card but which are not stored on or secured by the chip of a smart card. The EPO does not at present accept applications signed or sent to the EPO using soft certificates via the Online Filing software. It is, however, possible to file Form PCT/RO/101 drawn up using PCT-SAFE and a WIPO-issued certificate.
If I enter my PIN code incorrectly three times in succession, how do I then unlock my smart card?
Please contact us.
Technical requirements and software/hardware issues
What installation options do I have for Online Filing?
You can install the software in stand-alone or network mode. All you have to do is follow the instructions in the installation guide and the installer.
In version 5 of the software, the Thin Client MSI package offers the use of command lines for network installation, with "silent mode" and parameter setting.
To update the Thin Client module please refer to the installation guide, which can be found here:
What are the system requirements for stand-alone and network installations of Online Filing?
The recommended minimum hardware for Online Filing in network mode (server) is as follows:
- Pentium 4 -2.8 GHz or better
- 2 GB RAM or more
- 4 GB of available space on hard disk
Online Filing in stand-alone or network mode (server) can be installed on either
- (preferred for server mode) a server PC running Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 R2 or Windows Server 2012
- (preferred for stand-alone mode) a PC running Windows Vista SP1, Windows 7, Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 and Windows 10.
The client component of Online Filing can be installed on any of the Windows systems listed above.
Note: Online Filing cannot run on MAC or Linux servers. The EPO does not provide support for any kind of emulation on MAC or Linux.
Note: Although Online Filing can run in a terminal emulation software, the EPO does not provide support for use of the Online Filing software with a Microsoft Windows Terminal Server, Citrix Terminal Server or any kind of terminal emulation software.
Where do I find what in the directory structure (version 5 of the Online Filing software)?
All procedures have their own directories.
Each plug-in has additional sub-directories:
\bin - holds the *.exe file and any *.bin files, to start the GUI faster
\data - holds the temporary directories per action
\config - holds all the plug-in definitions and configurations
The \db directory contains the database files.
The \fm directory contains the file-manager files.
The DTD files are in \fop\config\dtd or a \dtd sub-directory under the plug-in directory.
Which Adobe Acrobat Reader versions are supported in Online Filing? Are any other PDF readers supported?
Versions 11 and DC of Adobe Acrobat Reader are supported. No other PDF readers or other versions of Acrobat are supported.
How can I transfer sent applications to a new Online Filing installation on another PC?
Since exported sent applications can only be imported back as drafts, the only way will be to export the whole database and import it into the new Online Filing application. There is more information on this in the user guide, which you will find here:
Note: To view sent applications, see the exported ZIP file. All imported applications have "Draft" status.
I keep getting the error message "Adobe Acrobat is not installed". How can I fix this?
If you want to view PDFs within a browser you have to enable the Adobe PDF plug-in. How you do this will vary depending on the type of browser you use.
For more information see chapter 10.6 of the installation guide or follow the instructions below:
Current filing and submission issues
I get a yellow or red validation message when I try to attach PDF files to my PCT application. What should I do?
The rules on attaching PDF files under the PCT procedure are even stricter than under the EP procedure, so please ensure that your PDF documents meet the following requirements:
- Adobe Portable Document Format version 1.4 compatible
- non-compressed text to facilitate searching
- unencrypted text
- no embedded OLE objects
- all fonts embedded and licensed for distribution
If the problem persists, contact us or WIPO direct.
To ensure that the PDF you have created will be accepted by the Online Filing software, you can use the Amyuni PDF converter. Please contact us about this.
Every time I try to attach a PDF document to my EP filing I get the following error message: "The PDF file you tried to attach does not comply with Annex F standard. Some fonts used in it have not been embedded". What should I do?
To guarantee compliance, you should ensure that your PDF generator and resulting PDFs meet the following criteria:
- all fonts are embedded (exception: Base 14 fonts are accepted even if they are not embedded)
- the page size is A4 +/- 5%
- the PDF is not encrypted
- it does not contain colour or greyscale images and drawings
- the PDF is Version 1.1 (or later)
- the PDF does not contain embedded OLE objects
If you are generating PDFs from paper documents using your company scanner you should adjust the settings of your scanner accordingly.
PDF files containing a combination of landscape and portrait formats are accepted.
PDFs should not be electronically signed (exception: certified copies of priority documents that comply with the Administrative Instructions under the PCT, Part 7 and Annex F and may be digitally signed; they may only be filed via Online Filing or new online filing (CMS) – for further details see OJ EPO 2018, A94). Note: US priority documents can be submitted in A4 format only.
The EPO Online Filing client may sometimes detect non-compliancy with Annex F in error and reject the file. It may also reject files which marginally exceed the permitted dimensions for A4 (PDF sizes up to 312 x 227 mm (A4 +5%) or 12.28 x 8.94" (letter +5%) are accepted).
To ensure that the PDF files you create will be accepted by the Online Filing software you can also use the Amyuni PDF converter. Please contact us to obtain this.
A supplementary international search report (SISR) has been drawn up by a Supplementary International Searching Authority (SISA) under the PCT. Where do I indicate this on Form Euro-PCT(1200E2K)?
You can indicate that one or more supplementary international search reports were drawn up in the international phase by mentioning the relevant Supplementary International Searching Authority (SISA) or authorities in the Annotations tab on Form Euro-PCT(1200E2K). A copy of the supplementary international search report does not need to be filed, as it will be transmitted direct to the EPO by WIPO.
Note: If you qualify for a fee reduction for a supplementary European search, you can indicate this by editing the Reduction column in Fee selection under the Fee Payment tab.
How do I fill in the field "Number of claims you intend to pay for" in Form Euro-PCT(1200E2K) or EP(1001E2K)?
You fill it in as follows:
If you are not paying for any additional claims, enter "0" as indicated in the Validation Messages/Documents panel (see above).
If you are paying for additional claims, enter the number (including the first 15 that are free), if you already know how many you want to pay for. If you want to pay fees for some but not all claims, the selected claims can be indicated in the Annotations tab.
If you do not yet know how many, also enter "0". You will then be able to pay later, once you do know how many claims end up in the application.
Please note: If you choose the fee payment option Automatic debit order, all fees, including any claims fees, will be debited automatically when due, and any entry in the Number of claims you intend to pay for field is disregarded.
I would like to file Form Euro-PCT(1200E2K), but the pamphlet (international application) has not yet been published. How do I request early processing and enter the number of pages for the description, claims and drawings if I do not intend to introduce amendments on entry into the regional phase?
The calculation of the number of pages and page fees is based on the documents submitted to the competent receiving Office; only then should you enter the Number of pages, doing so in the International application as published field. The EPO will check that the page numbers have been indicated correctly and that the correct fees have been paid once it receives the documents from WIPO under Article 20 PCT.
To indicate that you wish to enter the European phase with a request for early processing, please also tick the following box:
Tools - templates - features
Can I create user profiles for Online Filing and assign particular privileges to them?
Yes, you can. User profiles can be created within the File Manager under Tools => User Administration.
Can I import/export my address book into Online Filing?
Yes. In the File Manager go to Tools => Address Book and then select File => Import/Export.
With the network installation of Online Filing, can more than one person work on the same application at the same time?
No. It is possible for several users to access the same folder at the same time, but individual applications can only be accessed by one person at a time. When a user opens an application, the application is internally blocked for opening by other users. Other users attempting to open the application will see a message asking them to try again later or to open it in read-only mode.
Appeal proceedings
If I want to file documents online in appeal proceedings, which form should I use?
Documents in appeal proceedings can only be filed via Online Filing and new online filing (CMS), using Form EP(1038E).
Can Form EP(1038E) be used by any party to the appeal proceedings other than the appellants?
Yes, Form EP(1038E) can be used by any of the parties to appeal proceedings. The role of the party concerned will be clear from information contained in the letter and/or the accompanying document(s) being filed. The Names section can be left empty. If, however, you enter data in the Names section, not all of the relevant name categories are available; the EPO Boards of Appeal are aware of this. If the party to the proceedings is represented, the name of the party's representative should be entered in the relevant section.
National offices
Where can I find national plug-ins for Online Filing?
National plug-ins can be downloaded either from this website or from the website of the national office concerned. All currently available national plug-ins are automatically installed by the latest full installation of Online Filing. See the installation guide for information on how to activate/deactivate them in the Server Manager (Other procedures).
I am trying to file an application with a particular national patent office using the Online Filing software but I keep getting an error message. What should I do?
For any issues relating to the filing of national applications please contact the national office concerned.
Can I use my EPO smart card to file patent applications online with national offices?
Yes. You can use your EPO smart card to file patent applications with most national offices, with the exception of the French patent office (INPI).
Do I need an INPI smart card to file patent applications online with the French patent office?
Yes, and you have to use the INPI smart card with Gemalto Classic Client. Please contact INPI direct to request a smart card and any further assistance.
I noticed on the webpage that there is a tool for registering non-EPO smart cards. What cards are they?
At present, there are only two non-EPO cards approved for online transactions with the EPO. They are:
- FINUID (issued by the Finnish government to Finnish citizens)
- Ceres (issued to Spanish citizens)
Updates
Can I be automatically notified when new software is released?
Yes. Users wishing to be kept up to date about new software versions, updates, patches and fixes can sign up for our RSS feeds.
You can also enable the Live Update functionality in the Server Manager. Go to Settings => Live Update Proxy and select Enable software update system. You should also ensure that you have enabled the respective EPC contracting state by ticking the check box next to it under Tools => Preferences => System Preferences => Countries. If Live Update is enabled, updates for the EP, PCT and selected national office procedures will be initiated automatically.
You can select the interval at which you would like your software to check for updates by specifying the number of days in Check for update every XX day(s). The system will then notify you at the selected interval if any new software has been released. We recommend setting the interval to "1" as it will then check once a day, the first time you start the software. You can enter your own and/or anybody else's email address in the Server Manager Settings tab. Everybody on that list will then be sent an automatically generated email whenever a new Live Update is available.
It is important to bear in mind that you first need to download the updates before you can install them. Downloading on its own is not sufficient to complete the process of updating. You must also install the updates in order to effectively apply them to the Online Filing software.
Conversion issues (PDF, PatXML)
How can I convert my documents into PDF attachments for Online Filing?
Within the document, go to File => Print and select the Amyuni PDF Converter from the list of printers, then select OK. You will need to give the resulting PDF file a name. The Amyuni PDF Converter is set up as a regular printer and can convert data from any software with printing ability.
You can also use any other PDF converter as long as the resulting PDFs comply with the Annex F standard. By using the Amyuni PDF converter, you can always be sure that your documents are Annex F-compliant.
For a free download of Amyuni, please contact us.
How can I create patent applications in XML?
You can use PatXML, a software tool which allows you to use Microsoft Word to create EP and PCT patent applications in XML (eXtensible Markup Language) format (technical documents only).
What is the pre-conversion archive in Online Filing?
In the pre-conversion archive you can add the documents (description, claims, abstract, drawings) that you have attached to your application in PDF or XML format in their original format (e.g. MS Word) in a .ZIP file.
Could you please provide me with a link to the new version of Amyuni PDF converter?
The new version 5.5.2.3 of the Amyuni PDF converter has now been released to production. This version is password-protected. Please contact us if you would like us to send you the password and a link.
Filing of sequence listings
How can I file nucleotide and/or amino acid sequence listings in accordance with Annex C/WIPO Standard ST.25 text format as part of an international application?
Tick the field The description contains a sequence listing in Biology on Form PCT/RO/101.
Proceed to Contents and select Sequence listing. Attach a sequence listing in accordance with Annex C/WIPO Standard ST.25 text format (APP or TXT) as part of an international application filed in electronic form, without attaching the sequence listing in PDF format.
Signatures
Does a letter attached to Form EP(1038E) have to be signed if the form itself is signed by the appointed professional representative?
The formalities officers will verify any signatures: if either Form EP(1038E) or the letter is signed by the appointed professional representative.
Do some documents require a handwritten signature and, if so, which?
In Online Filing, documents attached to an electronic filing form do not require a handwritten signature. Electronic filing forms (e.g. Forms 1001E2K, 1200E2K, 1038E, PCT/RO/101, PCT-SFD or PCT-DEMAND) can be signed using a facsimile signature, an enhanced electronic signature or a text string signature. A facsimile signature is an image reproduction of the filing person's signature. An enhanced electronic signature is an electronic signature issued or accepted by the EPO and confirmed with certificates issued or accepted by the EPO (i.e. signing using a smart card). A text string signature is a string of characters, preceded and followed by a forward slash (/), selected by the signatory to prove their identity and their intent to sign.
PCT procedure and online submissions
Can I use WIPO's ePCT service to file documents online with the EPO acting as receiving Office?
Yes. For more information on how to use and set up this service please refer to the WIPO website.
As from 1 November 2016, the ePCT service can be used to file subsequently filed documents, as stated in Rule 89bis.2, and file a demand, as stated in Chapter II of the PCT. Payment of fees related to the demand can also be indicated via this method.
Can subsequently filed documents for the PCT procedure and the demand procedure (Chapter II) be filed online?
Yes, they can.
Read the Notice from the European Patent Office dated 23 September 2016 concerning the online filing of subsequently filed documents under the PCT, including the demand under PCT Chapter II.
For my online PCT filing, I chose “automatic debit” as mode of payment. I have now received a search report informing me that the invention lacks unity. How do I make sure I pay the right number of search fees?
You should inform the EPO via the PCT-SFD (subsequently filed document) plug-in how many independent inventions you want it to search.
If you fail to reply, all the additional search fees due will be debited automatically from your deposit account.
