Macedonia Becomes an EPC Contracting State
Article from our Winter 2008-2009 edition of InsideIP.
On 1st January 2009, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia became bound by the European Patent Convention (EPC) as the 35th member state. Therefore, it is now possible for applicants to additionally designate Macedonia for European patent applications filed on or after this date. Furthermore, any PCT application filed on or after 1 January 2009 will automatically include the designation of Macedonia for the purpose of obtaining a European patent.
The effect of a European patent application in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is subject to the payment of the appropriate designation fees. It was possible to elect Macedonia as an "extension" to a European patent but, as a result of Macedonia's accession to the EPC, the previous extension agreement has terminated. However, the extension system will continue to apply to all European and PCT applications filed prior to 1 January 2009, as well as to all European patents granted in respect of such applications.