The Patents Rules 2007 and Patents (Fees) Rules 2007 – Part 5: European patents (UK) – Guidance

Summary:

This part of the document provides guidelines for European patent applications in the UK. It covers translations, corrected translations, conversion requests, procedure for making a conversion request, and obligations to other contracting parties to the European Patent Convention.

Key-points:

Translations of European patent specifications and claims must be filed in English, accompanied by Patents Form 54, and comply with Schedule 2 requirements.
Corrected translations must also be filed in English, accompanied by Patents Form 54, and comply with Schedule 2 requirements.
Conversion requests under section 81(2)(b)(i) must be made in writing, accompanied by a copy of the notification of withdrawal, and may request the comptroller to send a copy of the application and request to the central industrial property office of a contracting state.
Conversion requests under section 81(2)(b)(ii) must be made within 20 months of filing or priority date, and the comptroller must notify the applicant if the request has been received.
The comptroller may request information from the European Patent Office or competent authorities of other contracting states under the European Patent Convention.

Not applicable:* None.