Guide for Applicants - Part 1:How to get a European patent: C. Preparing and filing a European patent application, I. Formal requirements, Language arrangements to assist applicants from certain contracting states

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

Languages for European patent applications

Items making up a European patent application

Language arrangements to assist applicants from certain contracting states

If you have your residence or principal place of business in a contracting state that has a language other than English, French or German as an official language, or if you are a national of that state but are resident abroad, you may file a European patent application in one of the state's official languages.

Art. 14(2)
R. 6(1)
Guid. A-VIII, 1.1, 5.2

Then, within three months of filing the application, but no more than thirteen months after the earliest claimed priority date, you must file a translation in one of the EPO's official languages, which is then made the language of the proceedings. If you do not file the translation in due time, your application is deemed withdrawn.

At any time during the proceedings before the EPO, the translation may be brought into conformity with the text of the application as filed.

If point 44 applies to you, at any time in the procedure after filing your application you may file any documents subject to a time limit in an official language of your state; but within one month of filing a document you must submit a translation in the language of the proceedings. If you do not file the translation in due time, the document is deemed not to have been received.

Art. 14(4), (5)
R. 6(2)
Guid. A-VIII, 3.2

46	If you exercise your rights under points 44 and 45, you are entitled to a 20% reduction in the filing, examination, opposition and appeal fees as appropriate.

R. 6(3)
Art. 12(1) RFees
Guid. A-XI, 9.2