INFORMATION FROM THE EPO
Discontinuation of standard and special searches by the European Patent Office
In connection with the creation of the European Patent Network, the Administrative Council of the European Patent Organisation decided on 28 June 2007 that the European Patent Office will cease to perform standard and special searches.
From 1 September 2007 the European Patent Office will no longer accept work of this kind; however, searches already undertaken will be completed.
The national patent offices of the member states which have provided services of this kind in the past will increasingly do so in future, and further national offices have shown interest in making such services available. Information about the services offered, with contact details, can be found at http://www.epo.org/about-us/european-patent-network/ssp.html.