< IP News

EPO and European National IP Offices Take Steps to Harmonize Procedures

The European Patent Office (EPO) and the national IP offices of the EPO’s member states (i.e. the European countries which are members of the European Patent Organisation) have taken steps to harmonize their procedures. The goals of this ongoing harmonization project include aligning administrative practices of the various national IP offices in Europe to improve predictability and legal certainty in the European patent system and having simpler and more efficient procedures for applicants. The first two common practices which have been endorsed are on the topics of:

  • unity of invention; and
  • designation of inventors.

Once a best practice has been established, each office implements the practice on a voluntary basis.

Read more here.

NOT LEGAL ADVICE.
Information made available on this website in any form is for information purposes only. It is not, and should not be taken as legal advice. You should not rely on, or take or fail to take any action, based upon this information. Never disregard professional legal advice or delay in seeking legal advice because of something you have read on this website. Oyen Wiggs Green & Mutala LLP professionals will be pleased to discuss resolutions to specific legal concerns you may have.