EUROPEAN PATENT ORGANISATION
Norway accedes to the London Agreement
On 26 September 2014, the Kingdom of Norway deposited its instrument of accession to the Agreement dated 17 October 2000 on the application of Article 65 EPC ("London Agreement", see OJ EPO 2001, 549), which under its Article 6(2) will accordingly enter into force for Norway on 1 January 2015. The London Agreement will then be in force in 21 EPC contracting states.
For European patents granted with effect for Norway on or after 1 January 2015, no Norwegian translation of the European patent specification need be supplied if the patent is granted in English or if an English translation of the patent is supplied in accordance with Article 65(1) EPC; but a Norwegian translation of the claims must always be supplied. However, where no English translation is available, applicants will still have the option of supplying a Norwegian translation of the patent specification.
The new rules do not apply to European patents amended in opposition, appeal or limitation proceedings which were granted before 1 January 2015 and amended on or after that date.
Further information on the London Agreement may be obtained from the EPO website (www.epo.org).