EPO Opens Door to Legal Associations, Streamlining Patent Proceedings
The European Patent Office (EPO) has opened a new avenue for legal practitioners. As of October 1, they can create and join associations registered with the EPO, a shift from the previous individual authorization requirement.
The EPO has not disclosed the names of the first legal associations registered since October 1, 2025. This change allows legal practitioners to represent applicants in EPO proceedings through their associations, without needing individual authorization for each member.
Previously, legal practitioners could not be part of such associations due to these individual authorization rules. Now, they can join associations of representatives, enjoying equal treatment with professional representatives. Over 600,000 proceedings are currently handled by these associations of representatives.
This move is part of the EPO's ongoing simplification and digitalization efforts under its Strategic Plan 2028. MyEPO, the EPO's online service platform, now offers a self-service function for creating and administering these associations.
The EPO's new policy enables legal practitioners to work collectively, streamlining proceedings and promoting equal treatment. This change, part of the EPO's strategic plan, aims to enhance efficiency and digitalization in patent procedures.
