Documents and Information

Timelines

European Patent Application

three people adding dates and messages to a calender

2 weeks from filing

Formalities examination

1 month from filing

• Paying filing fee • Pay search fee

18 months from filing

• Application publishes

2 years from filing first application

• Request substantive examination • Pay examination fee • Pay unitary designation fee

3 years from filing EP

• Start paying yearly renewal fees up to 20 years from EP filing

4 to 6 years from filing EP

• Substantive examination • Respond • Re-examination

Amendment in response to examination / Re-examination

5 to 7 years from filing EP

• Grant • Pay grant fees • File French and German claims translations

3 months from grant of EP (for most countries)

• National validation deadlines • Renewal fees now due at national offices

Timelines