Norway and Croatia become EPC contracting states

From 1 January 2008, applicants filing a European patent application will be able to designate Norway and Croatia.

This means that a European Patent can designate the following 34 member states:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom.

In addition, any PCT application filed on or after 1 January 2008 will automatically designate the new EPC contracting states for the purpose of obtaining a European patent.

Nationals of Norway or Croatia and persons having their principal place of business or residence in Norway or Croatia will also be entitled, as from 1 January 2008, to file international applications with the European Patent Office as receiving Office.

It has previously been possible to elect Croatia as an “extension” to a European patent but, in view of Croatia's accession to the EPC, the previous extension agreement will terminate. The extension system will, however, continue to apply to all European and international applications filed prior to 1 January 2008, as well as to all European patents granted in respect of such applications.

14 Nov 2007

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