Online Filing 2.0 is a new EPO web service.
It allows users to work on and file applications together with other users from the same organisation.
The existing fee reductions for filing in electronic form also apply to Online Filing 2.0.
You can file documents in PDF format. As a pilot, the request for grant (EPO Form 1001) can be filed, together with the description, claims, abstract and drawings (application documents) of a European patent application and, if required, translations of any of these documents, in DOCX format.
For more information, see
The filing of DOCX documents remains a "pilot" under the umbrella of the Strategic Plan 2023.
In order to be able to file documents in this format, you must volunteer for the pilot.
In the Request tab of Form EP(1001E2K), Divisional sub-tab, the checkbox The Office is requested to add … is pre-crossed. This enables the EPO to add a copy of the standard-compliant sequence listing filed for the earlier (parent) application to the dossier of the divisional application in XML format and for search purposes only (i.e. not as part of the description) (see OJ EPO 2021, A97, point 18). The sequence listing of the earlier application is not automatically added to the dossier of the divisional application if you file an ST.26-compliant sequence listing as part of the divisional application's description or if the sequence listing available in the earlier application does not comply with WIPO Standard ST.26.
Should you not want the EPO to add a copy of the sequence listing filed for the earlier application to the dossier of a divisional application, you should manually clear the checkbox.
No, ePCT is embedded into Online Filing 2.0. You will prepare your draft of PCT Request, PCT-SFD and PCT Demand using ePCT in Online Filing 2.0. To sign and send, you are brought back to Online Filing 2.0.
You can file the following via Online Filing 2.0:
Yes. To file a notice of opposition, select the role opponent and form EP 2300 from Start a procedure. To file an appeal, select Perform an action in appeal proceedings.
No, there are no plans to include national plug-ins in Online Filing 2.0.
Your work is autosaved when you change to another tab. However, if you are prompted with a time-out dialog, you can select Continue editing to be shown the screen you last worked on. If you select Return to home, a new message will appear asking you to confirm this action, and warning you that any unsaved data will be lost.
To duplicate a template, select the template, create a draft and save the draft as a template.
(Select topic: Online services / patent searches)
It is a WIPO requirement that pages should be in portrait orientation, not in landscape. You cannot attach documents with landscape pages in ePCT.
To solve this problem, go to the entry in the address book and make sure it has an email address.
You can import the following forms into Online Filing 2.0: EP1001, EP1200 and EP1038. The import requirements of Online Filing 2.0 are the same as those for Online Filing – see this technical manual. Make sure you use the latest DTD specified in the manual.
or (this approach is more technical and requires the ability to "read" .xml files properly)
You can import packages into Online Filing 2.0 if they are structured in accordance with our Importing data into EPO Online Filing guidelines. These guidelines specify the document type definitions (DTDs) we support. Although there is some backward compatibility, we strongly recommend that you use the latest DTDs.
How to import an application from Online Filing to Online Filing 2.0
Alternative method (Note: this method requires you to edit in XML)
No. Updating will happen automatically. You can find the latest release note here.
Yes, it is possible to update several users at the same time.
Contact your Online Filing 2.0 administrator or IT support.
The first person in your organisation to register to use Online Filing 2.0 is automatically nominated administrator.
Yes, if your smart card is already defined for the service. Otherwise you will need to complete the registration form.
If you have administration rights, you can register anyone from your organisation who holds an activated smart card.
By clicking the Administration tab and then selecting Access rights / permissions, you can add new users to your organisation in the Online Filing 2.0 portal.
To start using Online Filing 2.0, simply complete the registration form. We will process it and inform you when you can start using Online Filing 2.0.
Provided that there are administration rights assigned to your smart card, you can select the user, click Edit rights and expand the menu via the + icon on the right-hand side of the screen. Then select the relevant forms and the relevant actions for each form (draft, sign, send).
Please note that UNIP forms for individual users can only be activated by the administrator in demo mode.
Default access, including access for administrators, is granted for demo mode only.
Being able to access the tool in demo mode means that you can explore the application and practise using it. Please contact your company's Online Filing 2.0 administrator if you require forms in production mode.
Yes, with Online Filing 2.0 you need to be logged in with a smart card at all times, including during the signing process.
When you open the cryptovision Utility module, your smart card's token label and ID are displayed. This confirms that your smart card reader is working properly.
Please contact us.
If you can't access Online Filing 2.0 and you get a Website cannot be reached or Website is not available error message, this means that your company has filtering policies in place that are blocking the URL for Online Filing 2.0. Contact your IT administrator to whitelist https://filing.epo.org/dashboard AND https://filing-demo.epo.org/dashboard.
To file documents online via Online Filing 2.0 you need equipment capable of accepting a USB smart card reader and its software drivers, and an internet browser. Online Filing 2.0 is not supported on tablets and smartphones.
Online Filing 2.0 is compatible with the following browsers:
You will receive a QR code with the link to the cryptovision software in the brochure accompanying your PIN code, or you can contact us.
Documents filed via Online Filing 2.0 can be signed by facsimile signature or by text-string signature. Example: /John Smith/
To apply a signature, you need to be in the status Ready to sign. After you have reviewed the submission, you can apply a signature by selecting the signing party's card and clicking Add.
The EPO has developed information security policies and standards that are in line with the ISO 27001:2013 standard. We reassess the compliance of Online Filing 2.0 with these policies before each major new release.
Yes, the EPO integrates security design and testing into the development lifecycle, both internally and when working with recognised third parties.
The new online filing system is a web-based application that does not require access to any external source of information. The only information processed by the EPO is information that has been entered and uploaded by the user.
Online Filing 2.0 is a web application. As such, only cookies are stored locally. These merely contain context information used to enhance the user experience in accordance with web development standards.
The use of smart cards means that user credentials can be protected within the cards themselves, and therefore only public keys are stored within the system.
Logs are implemented in accordance with EPO security policies. User transactions and uploaded information are scrutinised from a security perspective (including DDoS, malware, etc.), but the logs do not store any user data. Access to the logs is restricted to accredited employees from the EPO’s information security department, under the authority of the Chief Information Security Officer, and subject to the recommendations and advice of the Data Protection Officer.
The Annex F standard states that all documents in PDF format must meet the following requirements:
The latest version of the Amyuni PDF converter is password-protected. Please contact Customer Services for a password.
PDF files sent to the EPO must comply with the Annex F standard. If you try to upload a PDF which does not comply with this standard you will receive an error message.
For the convenience of our users, the EPO provides, free of charge, Amyuni PDF Converter software that is pre-configured to create Annex F-compatible PDF files. The latest version of this Amyuni PDF Converter is password-protected. Please contact Customer Services for a password.
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.
No, there is no fee reduction for filing DOCX documents.
The (further) reduction of the filing fee (and some other fees) for DOCX filing has been abolished.
For more information about this, see the EPO Official Journal, e.g. OJ EPO 2019, A6.
The DOCX document will be converted by the EPO into a PDF and this is what the examiner will then see.
Once filed in DOCX format, the EPO will convert the application documents into ST.36 XML for further processing. If there are any errors, inconsistencies or omissions, the original disclosure in DOCX format will be consulted. If any doubts or inconsistencies remain despite having consulted the DOCX file, the PDF back-up copy, if filed, can be checked. It is important to note, however, that a PDF back-up copy can never be used to replace the DOCX version. Both the application documents in DOCX format and the PDF back-up copy will be made available for file inspection in accordance with Article 128 EPC.
You can view rendered DOCX documents in the submission package.
At the moment, only full sets of application documents can be submitted. For more information, see OJ EPO 2020, A44.
Please see DOCX filing at the EPO
You can, if you wish, file a PDF back-up copy of any application documents filed in DOCX format. The only condition is that you file them in PDF and DOCX format in a single submission. Documents filed in DOCX format constitute the originally filed documents. This is of particular importance when filing an application. The application documents filed in DOCX format constitute the content of the application as filed within the meaning of Article 123(2) EPC. A PDF back-up copy can serve as evidence of what you intended to file (e.g. in the case of a request for correction under Rule 139 EPC).
Yes. You can export the address book from Online Filing by first saving it in XLS format on your computer, then importing it into Online Filing 2.0 via the Administration tab. Select Address book and then Import.
For more information, see Chapter 15 of the user guide.
In principle, all submissions can be migrated. Imported items will be saved under Submissions, regardless of their status, but only as a draft. In other words, applications that have been filed and submitted via Online Filing will be reset to "draft" status.
After exporting the application from Online Filing, open the Administration tab in Online Filing 2.0, select Submission imports, then Import submission. You will find the imported item in "draft" status under Submissions. After opening it, you can move it to the desired status, to a folder or save it as a template.
Yes. The exported template from Online Filing will be imported in "draft" status into Submissions. On opening the application, the Save as template function will be displayed.
Only EP applications can be imported into Online Filing 2.0.
PCT applications cannot be imported due to the fact that ePCT (WIPO filing software) has been embedded in Online Filing 2.0.
A Unitary Patent may be requested for any European patent granted on or after the date of application of Regulations (EU) No 1257/2012 and (EU) No 1260/2012. These two regulations will apply from the date of entry into force of the Agreement on a Unified Patent Court (UPCA). The EPO will announce this date on its website.
Neither Online Filing (OLF) nor OLF 2.0 supports XML filings (i.e. attaching the form as an XML). However, the systems support the importing of packages. Therefore, if the package is constructed with a Patent Management System (PMS) gateway and it meets the standards and requirements, it can be imported into OLF and OLF 2.0.
The EPO will provide the technical documentation on the PMS gateway in good time at epo.org/applying/online-services/online-filing/interface.html.
