​​​​New searchable database of professional representatives before the EPO available as of today

The European Patent Office (EPO) released today the full list of professional representatives before the EPO which will replace the monthly publication of the changes to the list in the Official Journal.

​​In line with the approach to digital transformation and enhanced transparency in the Strategic Plan 2028, the EPO published today the full list of professional representatives before the EPO as a new and improved searchable database on its website. More complete, the new database comprises the same minimum set of data for each professional representative and will allow users to find a professional representative in an easy way based on different search criteria. 

​A professional representative – a qualified patent attorney with in-depth knowledge of applicable frameworks and practices – can be helpful for individuals, companies and other organisations seeking to obtain patent rights in Europe. ​

Every applicant from the EPC contracting states can choose whether or not to work with a professional representative on proceedings before the EPO. For applicants having their residence or place of business outside the EPC contracting states, the use of a professional representative is mandatory. ​

Finding a professional representative

To help users find a professional representative to represent them before the EPO, the Office maintains a publicly available searchable database on its website. The database allows users to filter representatives by different criteria such as city, name, number etc, and in addition provides each representative’s contact details where these have been made available. 

​This database is based on the list of some 14 000 professional representatives who are registered with the EPO and are thus entitled to represent parties before the EPO. As a rule, they have passed the European qualifying examination and demonstrated that they have practical experience. 

As of today, all professional representatives registered with the EPO are listed in the searchable database making the database more comprehensive and transparent than the previous one. ​

The following data are available for each professional representative: ​

• last name and first name(s) ​
• representative number 
• ​full postal address of the place of business or employment ​
• dates of entry and re-entry ​
• date of deletion ​
• telecommunication details if the professional representative has provided them and consented to their publication. ​

This new enhanced searchable database will replace the monthly publication of the changes to the list of professional representatives in the Official Journal. ​ ​

MyEPO services for professional representatives ​

Professional representatives before the EPO can register to use MyEPO services and thus fully benefit from the digital patent granting process. Within MyEPO Portfolio, the central hub of our online services, the EPO offers a dedicated “representative area” that caters to the administrative needs of professional representatives and their IP support staff. This is where they can manage their personal data.