1 Must a national professional representative be appointed?

See table III.B, column 1

Art. 55, 57, 58, 60 PA

2 Period for filing the translation

3 months after the date on which the mention of the grant or the decision to maintain the patent as amended is published in the European Patent Bulletin

Art. 5(1) Law of 8.7.77

(see also column 11)

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

No

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

French, Dutch or German

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

Art. 5(1) Law of 8.7.77

5 Must a form be used?

No

6 No. of copies to be filed

1

Art. 6(3) RD of 27.2.81

7 Are documents which meet the formal requirements pursuant to Rules 32 and 35(3)-(14) EPC accepted?

Yes

Art. 6(2) RD of 27.2.81

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

Display in reading room

Copies available

Art. 5(3) Law of 8.7.77

Art. 5 RD of 27.2.81

9 Correction of translation permitted?

Yes (errors of transcription)

Art. 7 RD of 27.2.81

10 Is provision made for a special fee for correction?

No

11 Special features

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

The translation must be accompanied by a copy of the drawings in the EP specification. The quality of the copy must permit direct reproduction in accordance with Rule 35(3) EPC.

If the translation is filed before the mention of the grant or the decision regarding opposition is published in the European Patent Bulletin (see column 2), the date and issue No. of the Bulletin containing such publication must be indicated.

If the mention of the grant or the decision regarding opposition is postponed or cancelled, the OPRI must at once be informed accordingly; it must also be informed as soon as possible of the date and issue No. of the European Bulletin containing the new publication.