INFORMATION FROM THE EPO
Notice from the European Patent Office dated 5 November 2010 concerning updated Forms 1001 (request for grant) and 1200 (entry into the European phase)
The request for grant form (EPA/EPO/OEB 1001) and the form for entry into the European phase (EPA/EPO/OEB 1200) have been updated in view of the amended Rule 141 EPC entering into force on 1 January 20111. The new versions of the forms will be available on the EPO's website as of that date.
In the request for grant form (EPA/EPO/OEB 1001), the main change to the 10.102 version is under section 25, which now provides the possibility to indicate that a copy of the results of any search carried out for the previous application(s) whose priority is claimed in the European patent application is attached. Section 25.1, referring to any additional declaration(s) of priority on an additional sheet, has been brought into line with the new requirements of Rule 141 EPC.
Furthermore, section 41 has been deleted and the text of section 48.B.4 in the receipt for documents (EPA/EPO/OEB 1001.8), has been reworded.
In the form for entry into the European phase (EPA/EPO/OEB 1200), the change to the 10.102 version is the introduction of section 6.3, in which the applicant can indicate that a copy of the results of any search carried out with respect to the previous application(s) whose priority is claimed in the international application is attached.
Copies of the previous version can however be used up without legal prejudice to the applicant.
1 Decision of the Administrative Council of 28 October 2009 amending the Implementing Regulations to the European Patent Convention (OJ EPO 2009, 585).