On Sep. 2, EU EPO announced streamlined handling of authorizations.
EU EPO announced it will streamline the handling of authorizations as of Nov. 1, 2024.
As commitment to promote digital transformation and simplify procedures for users.
Changes
Legal practitioners will no longer need to file an authorization as a matter of principle.
Will only have to do so in exceptional cases, either upon invitation of EPO or in the event of a change of representative involving representatives who are not members of the same association and without explicit withdrawal of the previous representative.
This aligns with the existing requirements for professional representatives.
EPO will accept broad range of electronic signatures on authorizations, including text strings, digital, facsimile signatures, aligning with the legal requirements applicable to documents supporting requests for registration of transfer of patent application.
In addition, in the case of a change of representative without explicit withdrawal of the previous representative from representation, EPO will continue to inform the previous representative but will no longer send a copy of the authorization.
