European patent applications
The European Patent Convention (EPC) is an agreement between over thirty European countries.
The EPC allows you to apply for a patent at the European Patent Office (EPO), which has offices in Berlin, The Hague and Munich.
EPO reviews and examines your application and can grant a patent in the member states. A single application is sufficient, but if it is granted you must file a translation of the patent, and pay the fees, in the countries where you want the patent to be valid.
A European application is good if
- your market is in Europe.
- you want to reach a number of countries using a single application.
If you have any questions about European applications, you should contact EPO directly.
Read more
EPO - European Patent Office (external website)
EPO - European applications (external website)
EPO - How to apply for a European patent (external website)
EPO - Member states (external website)
