EUROPEAN PATENT OFFICE
Information from the EPO
Notice from the European Patent Office dated 17 December 2021 concerning communication of the certificate for a European patent
From 1 April 2022, the certificate for a European patent will be communicated electronically to the Mailbox. If the proprietor (or their representative) has not activated their Mailbox, the certificate will be issued on paper and delivered by postal services.
The electronically issued certificate for a European patent will be a digital colour document. The Mailbox user can store and forward the certificate digitally or print it in colour. This allows for fast and secure retrieval of the certificate and will contribute to sustainability goals.
In parallel with the transition to an electronic certificate for a European patent, the EPO has refreshed the layout and content of the certificate. Further information about the patent will appear on the certificate, namely:
− the title of the invention, and,
− the date of publication of the mention of the grant in the European Patent Bulletin.
The above changes will be implemented for certificates issued on or after 1 April 2022.
Certified copies of the certificate with the specification annexed will continue until further notice to be issued on paper upon request and payment of an administrative fee.