MyEPO will stop accepting new applications submitted by fax on July 1

MyEPO will stop accepting new applications submitted by fax on July 1

Since the launch of the first online application tool in 2001, the European Patent Office (EPO) has been committed to building a modern, fully digital patent granting process. In 2024, the EPO launched the new MyEPO Portfolio online platform and continued to add new features to it. In July of this year, the new MyEPO will completely replace and replace the old tools, thereby creating a new set of services that support simplified, easy-to-use and interactive processes. According to the "MyEPO Strategic Roadmap 2028" provided by the EPO, on July 1, 2024, the EPO will stop using a series of old tools and services and launch a series of new products MyEP Portfolio Mailbox. The new MyEPO has the following advantages:

• MyEPO Portfolio Mailbox will continue to add new features regularly over time.
• MyEPO Portfolio's management tools make consultation and document management easier than ever before.
• Based on web-based online document 2.0, MyEPO provides a more convenient and faster way to apply for patents.
• Expedited upload services and modes are available.
• Reply to Rules 161(1) and 162 EPC: Submit voluntary amendments based on the international search report and international supplementary search report or international preliminary examination report.
• Request for certified copies: You can request certified copies of documents relating to a patent application or a Unitary Patent free of charge.
• Handling changes: can be used to submit changes to register transfer of rights free of charge.
• License Management: Users can manage/submit patent licenses for free.

From July 2024, the EPO will no longer accept new patent applications submitted by fax, and all fax services related to the EP and PCT and European unified patent procedures will be completely stopped from July.