Within the framework of the European Patent Organisation, the first comprehensive revision of the EPC was achieved at a Diplomatic Conference which took place in November 2000. The EPC 2000 shall enter into force two years after the fifteenth Contracting State has deposited its instrument of ratification or accession, or on the first day of the third month following the deposit of the instrument of ratification or accession by the Contracting State taking this step as the last of all Contracting States, if this takes place earlier (Article 8 (1) of the Revision Act).

On 13.12.2005, Greece became the fifteenth state to deposit its instrument of ratification.

The EPC 2000 will therefore enter into force on 13.12.2007 at the latest. An earlier entry into force would require that the last Contracting State deposit its instrument of ratification or accession at the latest in September 2007.