EPO Simplifies Representation Rules from October 2025
The European Patent Office (EPO) is set to introduce significant changes from October 1, 2025, as part of its ongoing simplification and digitalisation journey under Strategic Plan 2028. These updates aim to streamline representation in EPO proceedings and expand the role of legal practitioners.
Previously, only professional representatives could register associations at the EPO. However, starting next year, legal representatives who are not professional representatives will also be able to do so. This change aligns with the EPO's goal to make proceedings more accessible and efficient.
Currently, representation in EPO proceedings can be undertaken by professional representatives, associations, or legal practitioners. With the new rules, all registered members of an association can represent applicants without needing individual authorization. This simplifies the process and reduces administrative burden.
Another notable change is the equal treatment of legal practitioners with professional representatives. Legal practitioners can now join or create associations registered with the EPO, either with professional representatives or other legal practitioners. This requirement for individual authorizations for each case has been abolished, further simplifying the process.
Over 600,000 proceedings are currently handled by associations of representatives. To facilitate this, MyEPO now offers a self-service function for creating and administering associations.
These changes aim to make the EPO's patent granting process more efficient and accessible. They expand the role of legal practitioners, align with the EPO's digitalisation journey, and are set to come into effect on October 1, 2025.
