Guide for Applicants - Part 1:How to get a European patent: C. Preparing and filing a European patent application, I. Formal requirements, Languages for European patent applications

Guide for Applicants - Part 1
How to get a European patent

E / D / F


How to get a European patent
C. Preparing and filing a European patent application
I. Formal requirements

States for which European patent applications may be filed

Language arrangements to assist applicants from certain contracting states

Languages for European patent applications

42	The official languages of the EPO are English, French and German.

Art. 14(1)

43	European patent applications must be filed in one of the official languages (but see point 44).

The language you choose is made the language of the proceedings, and any amendments made to the application or the European patent must be drawn up in that language. Otherwise, in written proceedings, any party may use any of the EPO's official languages.

Art. 14(3)
R. 1
Guid. A-VIII, 1.1-1.2

With regard to divisional applications see point 202.