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Guide for applicants. Part 1

How to get a European patent

The "Guide for applicants" has been designed to provide inventors, companies and their representatives with an outline of the procedure involved in applying for a European patent, offering practical advice to smooth the way through the various stages.

The Guide cannot go into the details or specific issues of the European patent grant procedure, and it does not constitute an official commentary on the European Patent Convention (EPC).

If you need more detailed information, you are advised to consult the Guidelines for Examination in the European Patent Office, a comprehensive guide to every stage of the grant procedure and to EPO practice. 

HTML version  of the "Guide for applicants. Part 1"

Important notice

We would like to draw your attention to the following changes in the procedure which were introduced after the Guide for applicants - Part I, 11th edition had been finalised:

Points 92, 93 and 117 of the Guide

Claims fees are payable for the sixteenth (previously eleventh) and each subsequent claim as from 1.4.2008.

Point 215 of the Guide

The renewal fee may still be validly paid up to six months after the due date, provided that an additional fee equal to 50% of the belated renewal fee is paid within the same period. This applies to any payments made on or after 1.4.2008.

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