1. Convention on the Grant of European Patents of 5 October 1973 (European Patent Convention)*
Austria1(01.05.1979)*
Belgium1(07.10.1977)
Bulgaria1(01.07.2002)
Cyprus1(01.04.1998)
Czech Republic1(01.07.2002)
Denmark1, 6(01.01.1990)
Estonia1(01.07.2002)
Finland1(01.03.1996)
France1, 2(07.10.1977)
Germany1(07.10.1977)
Greece1(01.10.1986)
Hungary1(01.01.2003)
Iceland1(01.11.2004)
Ireland1(01.08.1992)
Italy1(01.12.1978)
Latvia1, 7(01.07.2005)
Liechtenstein1, 3(01.04.1980)
Lithuania1(01.12.2004)
Luxembourg1(07.10.1977)
Monaco1(01.12.1991)
Netherlands1, 4(07.10.1977)
Poland1(01.03.2004)
Portugal1(01.01.1992)
Romania1(01.03.2003)
Slovakia1(01.07.2002)
Slovenia1(01.12.2002)
Spain1(01.10.1986)
Sweden1(01.05.1978)
Switzerland1, 3(07.10.1977)
Turkey1(01.11.2000)
United Kingdom1, 5(07.10.1977)
(Total: 31 states)
__________________
*
The date on which ratification or accession took effect is indicated for each state.
1
Is also a contracting state to the PCT.
2
The EPC is also applicable to the French territorial entity of Mayotte and the overseas territories.
3
Any designation of this state is treated in the same way as a joint designation of Switzerland and Liechtenstein (Art. 142(1) EPC in conjunction with Art. 2 of the Patent Treaty between Switzerland and Liechtenstein, see OJ EPO 1980, 407).
4
The EPC is not applicable to the territory of the Netherlands Antilles/Aruba.
5
The EPC is also applicable to the Isle of Man. For further information on the registration of European patents (UK) in overseas states and territories, see OJ EPO 2004, 179.
6
The EPC does not apply to Greenland and the Faroe Islands.
