1.7 General authorisation 

An authorisation may cover more than one application or patent. Also, a general authorisation enabling a representative to act in respect of all the patent transactions of the party making the authorisation may be filed. However, an authorisation given for EP proceedings (EPO Form 1004) does not extend to UP proceedings unless this is indicated by selecting the corresponding box on EPO Form 1004. Alternatively, a separate general authorisation solely for UP proceedings may be used (EPO Form 7004). A corresponding procedure applies to the withdrawal of an authorisation.

However, the filing of a general authorisation is distinct from the appointment of a representative for a specific case. The party granting a general authorisation is not bound to appoint one of the representatives listed in any specific procedure before the EPO. Nor does a general authorisation allow the EPO to assume, without any additional information, that a person listed should be appointed as a representative in a specific case (see J 17/98). Therefore, in a specific case, a party wishing to appoint the representative(s) listed in a general authorisation must notify the EPO accordingly by referring to the general authorisation number already registered. The Legal Division is responsible for the registration of general authorisations (OJ EPO 2013, 600).