EURO-PCT Patent Application - Entry into regional phase in Europe
International phase of an international application pursuant to PCT
An international application starts with a filing of an international application. The procedure is governed by The Patent Cooperation Treaty. The international application is subjected to an international search and may be examined on patentability during an international preliminary examination. European Patent Office may be selected as an international search authority (regular or supplementary) as well as the international preliminary examination authority. If you consider to entry into the European phase, it can be recommended to ask the European Patent Office for establishing at least the European search report.
Regional phase of the international application in Europe (EURO-PCT)
If you have filed an international patent application under the PCT and are now looking to enter into the European phase, also known as EURO-PCT, you must be represented by a European patent attorney, if you are not from the contracting state of the European Patent Organization or you should be represented as to secure smooth proceeding before the European Patent Office. As a qualified European Patent attorney, I am able to provide you with the necessary services for your European phase entry.
Entering into the European phase is an obligatory step in securing your patent protection in Europe. It requires the submission of various documents and translations, if needed, as well as navigating the European patent system, which can be complex and time-consuming. Having a knowledgeable European patent attorney on your side can help streamline the process and ensure that your application meets all necessary requirements. In particular, the applicant shall perform the following acts within thirty-one months from the date of filing of the application or the date of filing a priority application.
Entry into European phase
The applicant seeking for a European Patent via PCT route shall supply the translation of patent application documents (description and claims) into English, French or German language. This language becomes a language of the proceeding before the European Patent Office. The European Patent Office will communicate with you in that respective language. The applicant may specify which patent document and claims shall be prosecuted by the European Patent Office. This is a particular strategic chose that shall be discussed with your European Patent Attorney to avoid unnecessary fees or avoid the problem with unwanted protection. The applicant has to pay official fees, which depend on previous patent proceedings during the international stage, such as supplementary search fee, if any or renewal fee. Also, if case, where the search authority during the international phase was the European Patent Office, the applicant must respond to the search report. This is not, however, required at the entry. But, the applicant should definitely count on it.
Fees for entry
The following table provides a summary of office fees payable to the European Patent Office at the entry into the regional phase. The fees are applicable from 1 April 2024.
Filing fee – entry EP-phase
285,- EUR
Fee for a European search
1520,- EUR
Designation fee – For all contracting States designated for applications
685,- EUR
Examination fee
2 135,- EUR
Claims fee – for the 16th and each subsequent claim to the limit of 50
285,- EUR
Claims fee – For the 51st and each subsequent claim
685,- EUR
Renewal fee for the 3rd year
690,- EUR
As your representative in the European phase, I will work closely with you to understand the specifics of your invention and tailor my approach to best fit your needs. My services include drafting and filing necessary documents, managing communications with the European Patent Office, and providing strategic guidance throughout the process.
If you are looking to enter into the European phase of your international patent application, I encourage you to reach out to me for a consultation. Let me put my expertise to work for you and help you secure your patent protection in Europe.
With my extensive knowledge of the European patent system and experience in handling patent applications, I am confident that I can provide you with the highest level of service and support.
In addition to representing you in the European phase, I can also provide a range of other patent-related services, such as patentability assessments, patent prosecution, and patent infringement analysis. My goal is to help you achieve the best possible outcome for your invention and ensure that your intellectual property is protected to the fullest extent possible.
If you are ready to enter into the European phase of your PCT application and need the assistance of a qualified European patent attorney please do not hesitate to contact me. I look forward to working with you and helping you achieve your patent goals.
As a physicist, I am comfortable with the technical field such as mathematics, physics and computer implemented invention in Europe. I am well-equipped to handle the specific challenges and nuances that come with entering the European phase of a PCT application. With my expertise in both physics and computer science, I can provide you with a unique perspective and comprehensive approach to your patent application.
It’s important to note that computer implemented inventions and computer programs are subject to different examinations in Europe. In some cases, computer programs may not be eligible for patent protection, while computer implemented inventions may be subject to additional scrutiny regarding their technical effects and contribution to the field.
As your European patent attorney, I will work closely with you to understand the specifics of your invention and tailor my approach to meet your needs. My experience in handling patent applications in the physics and computer science fields will ensure that your application is handled with the utmost care and expertise.
I am dedicated to helping my clients protect their intellectual property and achieve the best possible outcome for their inventions. If you are looking for a qualified European patent attorney to represent you in the European phase of your PCT application, please do not hesitate to contact me.