2.2.7. Translation

The request for unitary effect must contain a translation of the European patent as required under Art. 6(1) Regulation (EU) No 1260/2012. Where the language of the proceedings is French or German, a full translation of the specification of the European patent into English must be submitted. Where the language of the proceedings is English, a full translation of the specification of the European patent into any other official language of the European Union must be submitted.

A full translation of the specification of the European patent is required. Under Rule 73(1) EPC, the specification of the European patent includes the description, the claims and any drawings. Therefore, the translation of the description, the claims and any text in the drawings needs to be filed.

The translated text has no legal effect and is for information only (Art. 6(2) Regulation (EU) No 1260/2012). For that reason, the translation does not have to be certified.

In cases where claims and/or the description are amended in subsequent opposition or limitation proceedings, there is no requirement to file a further amended translation for a registered Unitary Patent.

In principle, sequence listings do not need to be translated, irrespective of whether they appear or are merely referred to in the B publication. Should the circumstances of a case require that a translation of the sequence listing be filed under Rule 6(2)(d) UPR, the UPP Division will issue an invitation to the proprietor to file such a translation.

The translations are placed in the public part of the file relating to the Unitary Patent.