In June 2022, the European Patent Office EPO launched MyEPO Portfolio, laying the foundation for the current patent management process platform (Patent Granting Procedure). This platform not only converts paper procedures into paperless procedures, but also uses new Digital technology creates a more interactive dialogue with users. Since its launch, EPO has continued to add new features and services to MyEPO Portfolio, and two-thirds of online users have benefited from the improved email services.
The EPO recently announced again that it has completed the second phase of trial operation, providing patent applicants with smoother information exchange, simplified work processes and more direct interaction with the EPO, taking another step forward towards a fully digitalized patent process.
Open functions and services:
1. Interact with the examiner through the shared area. Users have a personal shared area. This area allows users to upload, review, edit and annotate documents together when consulting with the examiner. Now this feature has added real-time interaction functions, which greatly improves the efficiency of the process. quality, transparency and efficiency.
2. Enhanced security (1) Use two-factor authentication to enter MyEPO Portfolio, Central Fee Payment and Online Application 2.0. You no longer need to use a physical Smart Card to enter the service.
(2) The smart card will continue to be used until the end of 2024. Before the smart card is stopped in January 2025, both methods can be used during the transition period.
3． New function (1) Agents can view objection case information in folders.
(2) Paralegals and others may transmit filings signed by an attorney and make payments using deposit accounts.
(3) Information that can reply to the European extended search report.
(4) Can reply to invitations about retrieval topics.
(5) The reply option has been added with the function of replying to information about the notification of patent authorization intention and the reply to the examination opinion based on EPC.94(3).
4． Improving communication links during the international phase of the PCT
MyEPO Portfolio provides an online service for international agents and non-European applicants, accepting electronic messages from the EPO as the International Searching Authority and the International Preliminary Examining Authority.
5. The first application API in a series of integrations with the IP management system has been released, which can realize automatic data exchange between the IP management system and MyEPO, and download the communication data of the EPO mailbox through the API interface.
6. Emergency upload service This function facilitates users to submit documents urgently electronically.
