EPO Expands Representation Rights, Legal Practitioners Now Eligible
The European Patent Office (EPO) has expanded representation rights, allowing legal practitioners to join associations of representatives. This move brings them on par with professional representatives, effective October 1, 2025.
Previously, only professional representatives, who are attorneys having passed the European qualifying examination, could represent applicants in EPO proceedings. Now, legal practitioners authorized in EPC contracting states can also join or form associations registered with the EPO.
All registered members of these associations can represent applicants without needing individual authorization. This change aims to simplify processes and align with the EPO's digitalisation journey under its Strategic Plan 2028.
To qualify, legal practitioners must combine technical and legal education to become European Patent Attorneys. This enables them to represent clients before the EPO and use streamlined digital tools like electronic power of attorney submission and online filing.
Over 600,000 proceedings are currently handled by associations of representatives. The EPO's MyEPO platform now offers a self-service function for creating and administering these associations. This change abolishes the requirement for legal practitioners to file individual authorizations for every case, making representation more accessible and efficient.
Read also:
- Industrial robots in China are being installed at a faster rate than in both the United States and the European Union, as the global market for these robots faces a downturn.
- NATO's Massive Naval Drill Shows Unity Against Russian Aggression
- Undeads Games Reaches $30 Million TVL and Gears Up for MMORPG Debut
- Hyundai N affirms transition to hybrid performance-centric models, initiating with Tucson N
