Source: http://www.epo.org/service-support/faq/own-file.html
Timestamp: 2015-10-06 05:34:09
Document Index: 634464578

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 1', 'art 1', 'art 1', 'art 1', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 1', 'art 1', 'art 1', 'art 1', 'art 2']

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QuestionsThe procedureHow long does a granted patent stay valid?Is it possible to object to a particular application, either before or after it has been granted?What do I have to do to apply for a European patent?How long does the grant procedure take?Should I file a national, European or international application?What should I do if I want to protect my invention in one country only?I have filed an international (PCT) application and want to enter the regional European phase. What should I do?Can I use the priority of my national patent application when filing a European application?Do I have to appoint a professional representative?Fees and costsHow much does a European patent cost?Can I get financial help from the EPO for patenting my invention?Which methods of fee payment does the EPO accept?I have received an invoice requesting the payment of fees. How can I tell if the invoice is really from the EPO?I live in Greece and was supposed to pay the fee for grant and publication for my European patent application by 13.07.2015. But the banks in Greece have been closed since 28.06.2015, and I cannot make any payments to a bank account outside Greece. What can I do?Your applicationWhen can I expect to get my search report?How long will it take for my European patent application to be published?I would like to change my correspondence address. What do I have to do?Can I delete an inventor from, or add a further inventor to, a European patent application that has already been filed?I would like to register a licence for a European patent application. What do I have to do?I would like to register a transfer of rights (change of ownership) for a European patent application. What do I have to do?I would like to register a change in the name of the applicant. What do I have to do?Patentability of computer programsWhere can I find information on the patentability of programs for computers?Practical adviceIf I waive my right to receive the communication under Rules 161 and 162 EPC, will my application automatically be processed more quickly than without the waiver?What is the relationship between the waiver of the communication under Rules 161 and 162 EPC and a PACE request?Does waiving my right to the communication under Rules 161 and 162 EPC have an impact on payment, specifically if I am using the automatic debiting procedure?How do I request early processing of a Euro-PCT application and when does my request take effect? Can I use the automatic debiting procedure to pay the fees?I have read that the current time limits for filing divisional applications will be abolished. Which applications will the amended rule apply to?I have just received an "Invitation to file a translation of the previous application (Rule 53(3) EPC)" from the examining division. It says that if the required translation(s) is (are) not filed within the given time limit, I will lose the right of priority I am claiming for my European patent application on the basis of the previous application(sI have read that the EPO no longer accepts handwritten amendments. What are the consequences of filing handwritten amendments after 1 January 2014?I have been informed that fees have increased with effect of 1 April 2014. Where can I find the new schedule of fees, and which methods of payment are available?Why is it important for me to check the text communicated under Rule 71(3) EPC?Are changes to the text of the specification allowed after the patent has been granted?What can I do if the text of the patent specification as published is not the one we approved?I have been told that a European patent application may be filed in any language. Since I am a Danish citizen, may I file my application in Danish? Do you need a translation? If so, in which language(s) and when should I submit it?I want to enter into the European phase. The international application was published in Japanese. Which text is the basis for calculating the page fee: the international application as published or its translation into one of the EPO languages?AnswersThe procedureHow long does a granted patent stay valid?The maximum term of a European patent is 20 years from its filing date. The patent may lapse earlier if the annual renewal fees are not paid or if the patent is revoked by the patentee or after opposition proceedings. In certain cases (medical or plant protection product patents) it is possible to extend the period of protection.
Article 63 EPC: Term of the European patentTop of pageIs it possible to object to a particular application, either before or after it has been granted?Yes, in two ways:
Notice from the European Patent Office dated 10 May 2011 concerning the filing of third party observations under Article 115 EPC by means of an online form Third-party observations form Up to nine months after publication of the mention that a European patent has been granted, any person (with the exception of the patent proprietor himself) may file notice of opposition to the patent with the EPO. The notice of opposition must be filed in a written reasoned statement. That means that the opponent must state at least one ground for opposition under Article 100 EPC and indicate the facts, evidence and arguments presented in support of the ground(s). Otherwise the notice of opposition will be rejected as inadmissible.
OppositionsAppealsFormsArticle 100 EPC: Grounds for oppositionGuide for applicants, Part 1
Top of pageWhat do I have to do to apply for a European patent?Requests for the grant of a European patent must be filed on the form prescribed by the European Patent Office (EPO Form 1001). This should be accompanied (where applicable - i.e. where the applicant is not the inventor or is not the sole inventor) by a "Designation of the inventor" form (EPO Form 1002). An "Authorisation" (EPO Form 1003) may also be required (see "Representation" below).European patent applications must contain:
RepresentationIf you do not have either a residence or a place of business within the territory of an EPC contracting state (non-resident applicants) you must be represented by a professional representative and act through him in all proceedings, other than in filing the European patent application. You can find a professional representative in the database of professional representatives.Cost of a European patent applicationThe following fees are payable upon filing a European patent application.
The above fees are due within one month of filing the European patent application.Further fees are due if you decide that you wish to pursue the application after receiving the European search report.Where to fileOur filing offices are located in Munich, Berlin and The Hague. You may also file by fax or online.The EPO's postal addresses and fax numbers can be found on the Contact page.For further information on how to file a European patent application and on the European patent grant procedure, see How to get a European patent, Guide for applicants, Part 1, as well as the EPO forms required and the current Schedule of fees and expenses. FormsDatabase of professional representativesGuide for applicants, Part 1Online filingFees
The following fees are payable upon filing a European patent application. a. Filing fee: EUR 200 (for paper filings - fee code 001) or EUR 115 (for online filings); Additional fee for the 36th and each subsequent page if applicable EUR 14 b. Search fee: EUR 1 165 (fee code 002) c. Where appropriate, claims fees: EUR 225 (fee code 015) per claim for the 16th to 50th claim and EUR 555 for the 51st and each subsequent claim up to a limit of 50. The above fees are due within one month of filing the European patent application. Further fees are due if you decide that you wish to pursue the application after receiving the European search report.Top of pageHow long does the grant procedure take?The European patent grant procedure takes about three to five years from the date your application is filed. It is made up of two main stages. The first comprises a formalities examination, the preparation of the search report and the preliminary opinion on whether the claimed invention and the application meet the requirements of the EPC. The second involves substantive examination.Top of pageShould I file a national, European or international application?The European and national patent grant procedures exist in parallel. When seeking patent protection in one or more EPC contracting states, you can choose either to follow the national procedure in each state or to take the European route, which confers protection in all the contracting states that you designate in a single procedure.
Patent offices of member statesGuide for applicants, Part 1Guide for applicants, Part 2Top of pageWhat should I do if I want to protect my invention in one country only?If you want to patent your invention in a specific country only, you should contact the national patent office of the country concerned.
Patent offices of member statesPatent offices outside the European Patent OrganisationTop of pageI have filed an international (PCT) application and want to enter the regional European phase. What should I do?In order to initiate the European phase you must fulfil certain minimum requirements within 31 months of the filing date or, if priority has been claimed, the earliest priority date. More details can be found in the Guide for applicants, Part 2 (Euro-PCT), point 449 ff.
Guide for applicants, Part 2Top of pageCan I use the priority of my national patent application when filing a European application?Yes. If you or your predecessor in title have filed an application for either a patent or the registration of a utility model or a utility certificate in or for any state party to the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property (176 states) or any member of the World Trade Organization (160 states), you may claim priority when filing a European patent application in respect of the same invention. You should do so no later than 12 months after filing the first application.
Guide for applicants, Part 1Top of pageDo I have to appoint a professional representative?If you have either a residence or a place of business within the territory of an EPC contracting state you are not obliged to be represented by a professional representative (European patent attorney). If you are a non-resident applicant, you may file a European patent application on your own behalf but must appoint a professional representative and act through him afterwards. This does not apply to fee payments, since these may be made by anybody.
Database of professional representativesGuide for applicants, Part 1Top of pageFees and costsHow much does a European patent cost?Fees are charged for filing (including, if applicable, an additional fee for the 36th and each subsequent page), search, designation of contracting states, claims (if more than fifteen), examination, grant and printing. Renewal fees are also payable for the third year and each subsequent year after the date of filing.
Guide for applicants, Part 1 - Fees
Top of pageCan I get financial help from the EPO for patenting my invention?No, the EPO does not provide any assistance with licensing, funding, or finding venture-capital partners. Helpful websites can be found in our useful links collection.
Useful linksInventors' handbook
Top of pageWhich methods of fee payment does the EPO accept?Fees due to the EPO may be paid by payment or transfer to a bank account held by the EPO.
They may also be paid by debiting a deposit account opened with the EPO in Munich (Supplementary publication 4, OJ EPO 2014, "Arrangements for deposit accounts (ADA) and their annexes").
Fees, expenses and prices.Arrangements for deposit accounts and their annexes Bank accounts of the European Patent Organisation for payments in euro
Top of pageI have received an invoice requesting the payment of fees. How can I tell if the invoice is really from the EPO?Beware of fake invoices from firms and individuals requesting the payment of fees for the registration or publication of a patent application. Check the payment subject and bank account number on the invoice and compare it against the EPO’s bank account on our Making payments page and list of fees and expenses at www.epo.org/fees.
Visit www.epo.org/warning for further information and examples and who to contact if you have any doubts about the legitimacy of an invitation or invoice.Top of pageI live in Greece and was supposed to pay the fee for grant and publication for my European patent application by 13.07.2015. But the banks in Greece have been closed since 28.06.2015, and I cannot make any payments to a bank account outside Greece. What can I do?The bank closures in Greece are an exceptional occurrence, beyond applicants’ control, for which Rule 134(5) EPC provides a safeguard.
Rule 82quater.1 PCTTop of pageYour applicationWhen can I expect to get my search report?If you have a query about your search report, please contact us by letter or fax quoting the application number. We cannot give this information out over the phone.
ContactTop of pageHow long will it take for my European patent application to be published?Your application will be published 18 months after the filing date or the earliest priority date. You may, however, request that it be published earlier.
Guide for applicants, Part 1Top of pageI would like to change my correspondence address. What do I have to do?Requests to change the address of the applicant or inventor should be submitted in writing (letter or fax) to the EPO's official address, quoting the application number(s) concerned. Where appropriate, you can indicate that the change of address affects all applications filed in your company's name. There is no fee payable and no prescribed form is required.
ContactTop of pageCan I delete an inventor from, or add a further inventor to, a European patent application that has already been filed?European patent applications have to designate the inventor. If the applicant is not the inventor or is not the sole inventor, the designation must contain a statement indicating the origin of the right to the European patent. Unless he waives this right in due time, the person designated as the inventor will be mentioned in the published European patent application, the European patent specification, the European Patent Register and the European Patent Bulletin.
Guidelines for Examination in the EPO, Part A, Chapter III, point 5, "Designation of inventor"ContactTop of pageI would like to register a licence for a European patent application. What do I have to do?There is no prescribed form for registering a licence. Requests must, however, be filed in writing, together with supporting evidence, e.g. a copy of an official document or an extract from it, or a declaration signed by both parties.
National law relating to the EPCGuidelines for Examination in the EPO, Part E, Chapter XII, point 3Top of pageI would like to register a transfer of rights (change of ownership) for a European patent application. What do I have to do?Registrations of transfers (assignments) of European patent applications are recorded in the European Patent Register at the request of an interested party and on production of documents satisfying the EPO that the transfer has taken place. This might be a copy of or extract from an official document, or a declaration signed by both parties.
ContactGuidelines for Examination in the EPOTop of pageI would like to register a change in the name of the applicant. What do I have to do?If the change affects the name only, and no transfer of rights has occurred, you can ask for it to be recorded by sending a letter or fax to the EPO quoting the relevant application number. No fee is payable. Furthermore, formal documentary proof of the change of name, e.g. a certificate of marriage, an extract from the commercial register (showing old and new name) or any other official document, certified by a Notary Public, must be submitted.
ContactTop of pagePatentability of computer programsWhere can I find information on the patentability of programs for computers?Information on the patentability of programs for computers is available on this page:
Patents for software? European law and practiceTop of pagePractical adviceIf I waive my right to receive the communication under Rules 161 and 162 EPC, will my application automatically be processed more quickly than without the waiver?Yes, waiving the right to the communication under Rules 161 and 162 EPC and fulfilling the requirements of those rules upon entry into the European phase will speed up the formalities checks. These would otherwise be performed only upon expiry of the six-month time limit under Rules 161 and 162 EPC, and the file would only then be transferred to the search or examining division.Top of pageWhat is the relationship between the waiver of the communication under Rules 161 and 162 EPC and a PACE request?To accelerate the processing of your application you can request accelerated search or examination under the PACE programme. However, if you do so, but do not validly waive your right to receive the communication under Rules 161 and 162 EPC, the application will not be subject to accelerated search or examination until after a communication under Rules 161 and 162 EPC is issued and after expiry of the six-month time limit provided for under those rules.
It follows that the waiver option and PACE concern different stages of the proceedings and are not interrelated.Top of pageDoes waiving my right to the communication under Rules 161 and 162 EPC have an impact on payment, specifically if I am using the automatic debiting procedure?Yes, if you are using the automatic debiting procedure and waive your right to the communication under Rules 161 and 162 EPC, you must pay any claims fees due on entry into the European phase by another permitted means since, under the automatic debiting procedure, claims fees are considered to have been received on the last day of the six-month period under Rule 162(2) EPC.Top of pageHow do I request early processing of a Euro-PCT application and when does my request take effect? Can I use the automatic debiting procedure to pay the fees?You can ask the EPO as designated or elected Office to start processing a Euro-PCT application any time before expiry of the 31-month time limit calculated from the international date of filing or from the priority date, if priority is claimed, regardless of whether the international application has been published. To do this, you must file an express request for early processing (preferably referring to Article 23(2) or, where applicable, to Article 40(2) PCT). Please note that such a request is not provided for in EPO Form 1200. Furthermore, you must fulfil the requirements for entry into the European phase as if the 31-month time limit mentioned above had expired on the date of your request.
Guide for applicants, Part 2 (6th edition, October 2012), point 427ff.Top of pageI have read that the current time limits for filing divisional applications will be abolished. Which applications will the amended rule apply to?The new version of Rule 36 EPC will apply to divisional applications filed on or after 1 April 2014. The Administrative Council's decision removing the current time limits for filing divisional applications does not provide for any transitional provisions. Thus when the amendment of Rule 36 EPC enters into force on 1 April 2014, a divisional application may be filed in respect of any earlier application still pending. This also applies to cases where the time limits applicable between 1 April 2010 and 31 March 2014 have already expired.
Decision of the Administrative Council of 16 October 2013 amending Rules 36, 38 and 135 of the Implementing Regulations to the European Patent Convention (CA/D 15/13)Top of pageI have just received an "Invitation to file a translation of the previous application (Rule 53(3) EPC)" from the examining division. It says that if the required translation(s) is (are) not filed within the given time limit, I will lose the right of priority I am claiming for my European patent application on the basis of the previous application(sYou will be sent EPO Form 2532G "Noting of loss of rights pursuant to Rule 112(1) EPC".
Top of pageI have read that the EPO no longer accepts handwritten amendments. What are the consequences of filing handwritten amendments after 1 January 2014?If documents replacing parts of the application or patent specification documents in opposition proceedings are submitted with handwritten amendments, they will be considered formally deficient, and the applicant will be given the opportunity to correct the formal deficiency within two months.
For more detailed information please refer to the new practice of the EPO’s first-instance departments on the application of Rules 49 and 50 EPC with respect to handwritten amendments – frequently asked questions.Top of pageI have been informed that fees have increased with effect of 1 April 2014. Where can I find the new schedule of fees, and which methods of payment are available?The new fees are applicable as from 1 April 2014 and are binding on payments made on or after 1 April 2014. A link to the updated schedule of fees can be found at the bottom of this answer.
Schedule of feesEuro accounts of the European Patent OrganisationDecision of the Administrative Council of 13 December 2013 amending Article 2 of the Rules relating to Fees and adjusting the amount of the reduction in the fee for the supplementary European search where the international or supplementary international search report was drawn up by one of the European International Searching Authorities (CA/D 14/13, OJ EPO 2014, A5)Arrangements for deposit accounts (ADA) and their annexes, Supplementary publication 4, OJ EPO 2014Top of pageWhy is it important for me to check the text communicated under Rule 71(3) EPC?If you pay the fees under Rule 71(3)-(4) EPC and file the translations under Rule 71(3) EPC you are deemed to have approved the text communicated to you under Rule 71(3) EPC and to have verified the bibliographic data in that communication.
According to decision G1/10 of the Enlarged Board of Appeal, where an applicant does not, where necessary, request reasoned amendments or corrections to the communicated text before it is approved, the responsibility for any errors remaining in that text after grant are his alone (G1/10 of the Enlarged Board of Appeal of 23 July 2012 (OJ EPO 2013, 194, point 11 of the reasons).Top of pageAre changes to the text of the specification allowed after the patent has been granted?No. Once the intention to grant has been communicated and the text has been approved by the applicant, the EPO cannot make any further changes, even if the request for correction is submitted before the text is published. In decisions of the EPO, only linguistic errors, errors of transcription and obvious mistakes may be corrected.Top of pageWhat can I do if the text of the patent specification as published is not the one we approved?If a decision to grant contains an error made after the text has been approved by the patent proprietor, such that the text as granted is not that approved by the proprietor, then the patent proprietor is adversely affected by that decision and is entitled to appeal (G 1/10, point 12 of the reasons).Top of pageI have been told that a European patent application may be filed in any language. Since I am a Danish citizen, may I file my application in Danish? Do you need a translation? If so, in which language(s) and when should I submit it?Yes, a European patent application may indeed be filed in any language. However, if the language is not one of the EPO’s official languages (English, French or German) you need to file a translation in one of the official languages within two months of filing the application. If the translation is not filed in due time, the EPO will invite you to correct this deficiency within two months. The official language into which the application is translated constitutes the language of the proceedings and cannot be changed at a later stage. Please note that if you fail to file the translation in due time in reply to the EPO’s invitation, the application will be deemed withdrawn. In such a case you may request re-establishment of rights under Article 122 EPC.
Top of pageI want to enter into the European phase. The international application was published in Japanese. Which text is the basis for calculating the page fee: the international application as published or its translation into one of the EPO languages?Application not amended
Case 1 No amendments are filed.
Case 3 The claim set and description (pages 5 and 8) have been amended. The new wording replaces the original claims and pages 5 and 8 of the English translation of the original description, as well as any amendments under Article 19 PCT and/or Article 34 PCT. The amended claim set consists of 20 pages. The English translation of the description (including the replacement pages) consists of 100 pages.
Guidelines for Examination in the EPO, A-III, 13.2
Euro-PCT GuideTop of page
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