Detailed information related to the European Patent.

In Belgium, the validation and publication of European patents are streamlined due to the country’s participation in the European Patent Convention (EPC) and the London Agreement.

• Translation 

No validation request or translation of the patent specification is required.

• Representation by a patent attorney

No representation by a Belgian registered attorney is required. However, foreign applicants are required to appoint a Belgian local attorney as an "Address for Service" for receiving, interpreting, and handling any communication from the Belgian Patent Office on behalf of the applicant.

• Publication

Upon grant by the European Patent Office (EPO), the patent is published in the European Patent Bulletin. The Belgian Intellectual Property Office then updates the legal status to 'open' in the Belgian patent register, making the validated patent publicly accessible.

• Maintenance fees

Annual fees are due each year starting from the 3rd one to maintain a European patent in Belgium and should be paid before the expiry of the last day of the month containing the anniversary of the date of filing of the patent application, and can be paid within a six-month period. Late payment of annual fees is possible within a six-month grace period, subject to payment of a corresponding surcharge.

• Validation fees

The fees associated with validation of a European patent in Belgium are available in the fee calculator.

The above information was verified on 04.03.2025
Please contact us if the above information is not in conformity with Belgian IP Laws