1 Must a national professional representative be appointed?

Yes, in the case of natural or legal persons having neither a residence nor their actual place of business in a member state of the European Union.

Natural or legal persons obliged or wishing to be represented in patent matters before the OPRI by a third party must use a professional representative (authorised to act before the OPRI or, in a member state of the European Union, a legal practitioner).

Natural or legal persons having their residence or an actual place of business in a member state of the European Union may be represented in patent matters before the OPRI by an employee, who need not be a professional representative but must be authorised. In patent matters, a professional representative may only act before the OPRI through one of his employees if that employee is himself a professional representative.

Art. 55, 57, 58, 60 PA

2 (a) Special fee payable? (b) If so, when due

No

3 Language(s) in which the translation must be filed

French, Dutch or German

(with regard to German see however OJ EPO 1999, 320)

Art. 3(3) Law of 8.7.77

4 Must a form be used?

No

5 No. of copies to be filed

1

Art. 4(1) RD of 27.2.81

6 Are documents which meet the formal requirements pursuant to Rule 35(3)-(14) EPC accepted?

Yes

Art. 4(1) RD of 27.2.81

7 Manner and form in which the translation is made available to the public

Inspection in reading room

Copies available

Art. 3(3) Law of 8.7.77

Art. 4 RD of 27.2.81

8 Correction of translation permitted?

Yes (errors of transcription)

Art. 7 RD of 27.2.81

9 Is provision made for a special fee for correction?

No

10 Special features

The translation must contain the name of the applicant, the publication number of the EP application and a translation of the title of the invention.