Rule 24(1) - OJ 2003, 610

Notice dated 3 December 2003 concerning the preparation of the technical documents of an European application in XML format using PatXML

- OJ 2003, 610 -

The present notice is issued in connection with the decision of the President of the European Patent Office (EPO) dated 29 October 2002 on the electronic filing of patent applications and other documents and the notice of the same date¹.

1. The European Patent Office has added a new tool to its epoline® Online Filing software. PatXML allows users to create the technical documents of European international patent applications in XML (eXtensible Markup Language²) format while using Microsoft® Word.

2. PatXML creates a template within Word, conforming to the EPC and PCT, which helps users to prepare the technical documents of patent applications. Using any word processor, it is then possible to copy, cut and paste from existing documents or import text from patent management systems into PatXML.

3. With PatXML the technical documents of European and international patent applications can be saved in software- and system-independent XML (based on a standard agreed by the EPO, JPO, USPTO and WIPO³). No prior knowledge of XML is required.

4. The technical documents relating to European patent applications may be attached in XML format to European patent applications filed in electronic form as of 03 December 2003.

5. The technical documents relating to international patent applications may be attached in XML format to international patent applications filed with the EPO as receiving Office under the PCT as of 15 January 2004.

Further information can be obtained from:

EPO Customer Services

European Patent Office

Patentlaan 2

NL - 2288 EE Rijswijk

Tel.: (+31-70) 340 4500

Fax: (+31-70) 340 4600

e-mail: epoline@epo.org

www.epoline.org

Open: Monday to Friday, 08.00 to 18.00 hrs.