From 1 April 2027, the EPO’s patent granting process will become fully digital, with electronic filing and notification becoming mandatory. Patent administrators should therefore ensure in good time that their filing and communication workflows are ready for the transition.
Formal announcements of the rule changes will be made in the OJ EPO of 30 September 2026.
EPO communication becomes fully digital, with electronic notification via MyEPO Mailbox as the default method for all users.
Electronic filing becomes mandatory for both European and PCT procedures, with paper submissions requiring electronic refiling except in limited circumstances (such as during in-person oral proceedings before the Boards of Appeal).
Third-party observations must be filed electronically.
User safeguards are strengthened, with updated provisions to protect users in the event of system interruptions and other exceptional circumstances.
To support users in preparing for the change, the EPO is offering several online seminars in the coming months.
Find out more here: Upcoming MyEPO services seminars | epo.org
