EPO general info

A European patent is aimed to provide legal protection for an invention in multiple European countries through a single application. The European Patent application is processed and examined by the European Patent Office (EPO), which determines whether the invention meets the criteria for patentability according to the European Patent Convention. This unified patent system unlocks more straightforward and affordable protection for inventions in the countries that are signatories to the European Patent Convention (EPC).

The contracting states of the European Patent Organization currently are: Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Norway, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and the United Kingdom.

After a European patent application has been granted, patent owners can either start a process of Validation in their chosen countries or request a Unitary Patent, which offers protection across multiple European Union countries through a single patent request. Both options offer streamlined processes, reduced costs, and enforceable rights in the desired jurisdictions.

IP Legal Base

European Patent Convention

Patent Office Contact Details

European Patent Organisation
Bob-van-Benthem-Platz 1
80469 Munich
Germany
Phone: +49 (0) 89 2399-0
Fax: +49 (0) 89 2399-4465
www.epo.org

IP registration costs

Fees associated with registration of patents in Europe are available in the fee calculator.