--- title: "European patent filing with the EPO | GTC" description: "File a single European patent application with the EPO and validate across European countries, drafted and filed by qualified European patent attorneys." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "name": "Global Trademark Company LLC", "url": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com", "logo": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/gtc-logo.svg", "description": "Multi-practice IP and business legal firm. Trademarks in 100+ jurisdictions, patents in 10 + PCT, copyrights under Berne. Operating since 2016.", "foundingDate": "2016", "sameAs": [ "https://www.linkedin.com/company/globaltrademarkcompany/", "https://www.trustpilot.com/review/globaltrademark.co" ], "contactPoint": [ { "@type": "ContactPoint", "telephone": "+1-510-973-4964", "contactType": "customer service", "areaServed": "US", "availableLanguage": [ "English" ] }, { "@type": "ContactPoint", "telephone": "+44-7453-347853", "contactType": "customer service", "areaServed": "GB", "availableLanguage": [ "English" ] }, { "@type": "ContactPoint", "telephone": "+91-6397-329955", "contactType": "customer service", "areaServed": "IN", "availableLanguage": [ "English", "Hindi" ] } ], "address": [ { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "712 H Street NE, Suite 2094", "addressLocality": "Washington", "addressRegion": "DC", "postalCode": "20002", "addressCountry": "US" }, { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "YSC Complex, 4th floor, A-400, 12 Ajit Singh House, Sri Aurobindo Marg", "addressLocality": "New Delhi", "addressRegion": "Delhi", "postalCode": "110016", "addressCountry": "IN" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Service", "name": "European Patent Office (EPO) Patent Filing", "serviceType": "Patent filing and prosecution", "description": "File a single European patent application with the EPO and validate across European countries, drafted and filed by qualified European patent attorneys.", "provider": { "@type": "LegalService", "name": "Global Trademark Company", "url": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com" }, "offers": { "@type": "Offer", "description": "Two-step engagement. Search & strategy, then a flat drafting & filing fee quoted up front." } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Patents & Designs", "item": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/services/patent-filing" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "European Patent Office (EPO) Patent Filing", "item": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/services/patent-filing/epo" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is a European patent one patent or many?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "It's filed and examined as one application by the EPO. Once granted, you choose which member states to 'validate' in, each becomes a national patent. The new Unitary Patent provides single coverage across participating EU states." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does the EPO cover the UK?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. The UK remains an EPC member despite Brexit. You can still validate a granted European patent in the UK." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Are designs filed at the EPO?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "No. Industrial designs are filed at the EUIPO as Registered Community Designs (RCD), covering all the EU member states with one application." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is the Unitary Patent worth electing?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "If you want broad coverage across most EU member states, yes, one annuity replaces multiple national renewals. But it's all-or-nothing: you cannot abandon individual countries to save costs. Best for inventions with genuine pan-European commercial value." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the Unified Patent Court (UPC)?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The UPC is a single court that hears infringement and validity disputes for Unitary Patents and most validated European patents (unless opted out). It enables single-action enforcement across participating states, but also single-action invalidation." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How do EPO costs scale with countries?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Filing + examination is fixed (~€4,500 official + our professional fees). Validation costs $400–$900 per country plus translations. Annuities accrue per country annually from year 3." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "EPO vs PCT vs national filings, which route should I choose?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "For 1–2 European countries, file nationally. For multiple EPC states, the EPO route is almost always cheaper and produces a stronger granted patent (single high-quality examination). PCT buys you up to 30 months from priority before national/regional decisions are required, most applicants then enter the EPO regional phase. The EPO is itself a designated office in PCT, so PCT → EPO is the most common multi-jurisdictional path." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the Unified Patent Court (UPC) and should I opt out?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The UPC, active since June 2023, is a single court with jurisdiction over Unitary Patents and (by default) all classic European patents validated in participating EU member states. It allows single-action enforcement across participating countries, but also single-action invalidation. For high-value patents you want to enforce broadly, UPC participation is powerful. For defensive-only or single-country-relevant patents, opting out (free during the 7-year transitional period) preserves national-court fragmentation as a defensive shield." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What languages can I file in?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "EPO applications can be filed in any of the three official EPO languages. English, French, or German. The application is then prosecuted in the language of filing. If you file in another language (allowed for EU residents), a translation into one of the three official languages must be filed within 2 months. Most non-European applicants file in English." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What happens at oral proceedings before the EPO?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "If a written response to the examiner does not resolve outstanding objections, the EPO summons oral proceedings, typically a single hearing in Munich, The Hague, or by videoconference. The applicant (via their European Patent Attorney) presents arguments, may file amended claims on the day, and receives a decision shortly after. Outcomes are: grant, refusal, or remittal for further examination. Oral proceedings are common and we recommend them in most substantive Article 94(3) responses." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the London Agreement and how does it cut translation costs?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The London Agreement (in force since 2008) reduces post-grant translation requirements in many EPC member states. Countries that share an official EPO language (DE, FR, GB, CH, IE, LU, MC) require no translation. Other countries (e.g, NL, DK, SE, FI) require only the claims to be translated into their national language. This significantly reduces the cost of validation in many key markets. Sometimes by 50–80% compared with the pre-London regime." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What does Rule 71(3) mean?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Rule 71(3) is the EPO's 'intent to grant' communication, sent once the examiner is satisfied with the application. It includes the proposed text for grant and translations of the claims into the two non-proceedings official languages. The applicant has 4 months to: approve the text, pay the grant fee, file claim translations, and request validation in chosen states (or elect the Unitary Patent). Failure to act within 4 months is treated as a deemed withdrawal." } } ], "dateModified": "2026-08-28" } ] --- [](/) - Trademarks - Patents - Copyrights - Data Privacy - Business Legal - [Pricing](/pricing) - Resources Sign inEN · USD Sign in 1. [Home](/) 2. [Patents & Designs](/services/patent-filing) 3. European Patent Office (EPO) ![](https://flagcdn.com/w80/epo.png)European Patent Office (EPO) EPO patent # File your European Patent Office (EPO) patent. Search first, then draft and file. A registered patent attorney searches the prior art, drafts your specification and claims, and files with the European Patent Office, so you protect the invention without guessing your way through the process. [File My European Patent Office (EPO) patent](/forms/catalog/patents-designs/patent-utility/EPO?ref=b2c) [Excellent Trustpilot ](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/globaltrademark.co) ![GTC patent attorneys preparing a EPO filing](/img/home/hero-library/m-strategy-bright-whiteboard-480.jpg) Prior art searched Landscape mapped Filed Claims drafted Prosecuted to grant Docket maintained 1,577+ patents 10,886+ clients 11 attorneys 1,577+ patents 10,886+ clients 11 attorneys 10+ years IIPLA Top IP Consultancy 2026 [Upwork · Top Rated Plus ](https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/zamanzaidi) Trusted by founders and brands worldwide ![Atlys](/assets/atlys-B5BookJo.webp "Atlys")![Perfora](/assets/perfora-D4_346Y2.webp "Perfora")![Soxco](/assets/soxco-D31kWMAz.webp "Soxco")![BossCare](data:image/webp;base64,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"BossCare")![Innovist](/assets/innovist-BgYdG_yd.webp "Innovist")![Bacardi](/assets/bacardi-JU27gvk6.webp "Bacardi")![Footcare Lab](/assets/footcarelab-BLfB0WJu.webp "Footcare Lab")![Bare Anatomy](/assets/bare-anatomy-CBhgu9Ro.webp "Bare Anatomy")![Freedom](/assets/freedom-confectionery-HioHiGYc.webp "Freedom") How it works ## Three steps to a filed European Patent Office (EPO) patent. 1 ### Search & strategy A patent attorney runs a prior-art search and gives you a written opinion on whether, and how. To file with the EPO, before you commit to drafting. 2 ### Draft & file We draft the specification, claims, and drawings, you approve every word, and we file the application with the EPO. 3 ### Prosecute to grant We respond to examiner office actions and shepherd the application through EPO examination toward grant. What it costs ## One engagement, two clear stages. You start with a search and a filing strategy, then a flat drafting-and-filing fee, so you decide with the search in hand, never a surprise. Government fees are passed through at cost. Step One ### Strategy & Search $550 Patentability search + a written opinion on how to file. - EPO-style patentability search and Article 84 / Rule 43 clarity assessment - Strategy: direct EPO vs PCT regional phase vs national filings - Unitary Patent vs classic validation. Country shortlist & cost forecast - Engagement letter & roadmap (Step Two only if you proceed) Step Two ### Drafting & Filing From $5,800 Drafting and filing your European Patent Office (EPO) application. - Full specification drafted to EPC formal requirements - Claims & abstract by qualified European Patent Attorney (EPA) - EPO-compliant drawings and EPO ePCT filing in EN/FR/DE - Request for Examination and search-report-response strategy EPO official fees (~€1,800) and post-grant validation in chosen states are pass-through at cost. [File My European Patent Office (EPO) patent](/forms/catalog/patents-designs/patent-utility/EPO?ref=b2c) European Patent Office government fees, translations, and any complexity surcharges are quoted separately and passed through at cost. Get started ### Start your European Patent Office (EPO) patent Describe your invention and a patent attorney will review the scope and email a Step One search-and-strategy quote, no payment, no obligation. No payment required Reply within 1 business day A GTC attorney reviews it & sends a flat-fee quote. 1. 01 Brand details 2. 02 More details 3. 03 Your details Brand details 1 What is your invention called?\* A short descriptive title; a working name is fine. 2 Where do you want patent protection?\* Select every country where you want a patent — utility (invention) patents are filed and priced per country. Add all your target markets. 3 Do you need drafting and filing, or drafting only? Drafting only = we write the specification and claims for you to file yourself. Drafting + filing = we do both. 4 What does the invention do? Describe what it is and how it works. Even a paragraph helps us scope; we refine the full specification with you. 5 Has the invention been publicly disclosed yet?\* Public disclosure (sold, demoed, published) can bar a patent — especially abroad, where there is usually no grace period. BackNext Why GTC ## An online-first firm, built for EPO patent filing. Legal team GTC's European Patent Office (EPO) team EPO-registered agent Agent of record at EPO ### Search before you spend Every engagement starts with a prior-art search and a written filing opinion, so you commit to drafting with the landscape in front of you. ### Attorney-drafted claims Your specification and claims are drafted by qualified patent counsel and you approve every word before it is filed at the EPO. ### Your deadlines, tracked We diarise the EPO priority and response windows and file inside them, so a missed deadline never costs you the filing. ### One team across major jurisdictions The same team coordinates your filings at the EPO and at every other major patent office your invention reaches. Your Customer Success Team ## A dedicated team that owns your matter from start to finish. Every GTC client gets a dedicated Account Manager and a Senior Account Manager who learn your business and stay with you from first email to final filing. They are named people who pick up the phone and already know your matter, so every step moves forward without delay. ### Your Account Manager Your day-to-day point of contact, who coordinates every matter, keeps things moving, and already knows your file. They have your full history, so you start every conversation where the last one left off. ### Your Senior Account Manager Senior oversight on strategy and escalations, stepping in as your needs grow, so every important detail stays on track. A named person, on email or a call, at every step. ![Your dedicated GTC Customer Success Team](/assets/m-onboarding-bright-welcome-C-heDolY.jpg) How we compare ## Filing with the EPO? Here's what sets GTC apart. What you get GTC Online filing services Doing it yourself A prior-art search and written opinion before any drafting Specification and claims drafted by qualified patent counsel A flat drafting-and-filing fee, quoted up front Office actions answered by the same team that filed One team across major patent jurisdictions and the PCT Government fees passed through at cost A prior-art search and written opinion before any drafting GTC Online filing services Doing it yourself Specification and claims drafted by qualified patent counsel GTC Online filing services Doing it yourself A flat drafting-and-filing fee, quoted up front GTC Online filing services Doing it yourself Office actions answered by the same team that filed GTC Online filing services Doing it yourself One team across major patent jurisdictions and the PCT GTC Online filing services Doing it yourself Government fees passed through at cost GTC Online filing services Doing it yourself The timeline ## From search to granted patent, with the EPO. Patent prosecution runs on the office's clock. Here is what to expect once you start. 1. Step One ### Search & filing strategy A prior-art search and a written opinion on patentability and the best route to file. 2. Weeks 2–6 ### Drafting & filing We draft the specification, claims, and drawings, you approve them, and we file with the EPO. 3. Months ### Examination The EPO examines the application; we answer office actions and run examiner interviews where they help. 4. 36 – 48 months to grant ### Grant & upkeep On allowance we pay the issue fee and diarise the maintenance fees that keep the patent in force. In their words ## All your legal, in one place. One accountable team across every practice, operating since 2016. [Excellent Trustpilot ](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/globaltrademark.co) 1,577+ Patents prosecuted 10,886+ Clients served 11 In-house attorneys 10+ Years since 2016 European Patent Office (EPO) patent FAQ ## Frequently asked questions Is a European patent one patent or many? It's filed and examined as one application by the EPO. Once granted, you choose which member states to 'validate' in, each becomes a national patent. The new Unitary Patent provides single coverage across participating EU states. Does the EPO cover the UK? Are designs filed at the EPO? Is the Unitary Patent worth electing? What is the Unified Patent Court (UPC)? How do EPO costs scale with countries? EPO vs PCT vs national filings, which route should I choose? What is the Unified Patent Court (UPC) and should I opt out? What languages can I file in? What happens at oral proceedings before the EPO? What is the London Agreement and how does it cut translation costs? What does Rule 71(3) mean? [File My European Patent Office (EPO) patent](/forms/catalog/patents-designs/patent-utility/EPO?ref=b2c) File elsewhere too ## Protecting the invention in more than one country? Each guide covers that office's route, timeline, and two-step fee. To keep a single priority date across many countries at once, file a PCT application and decide where to enter national phase later. [ ![United States flag](https://flagcdn.com/w80/us.png) USPTO ### United States File provisional, utility, and design patents with the USPTO. Two-step engagement model with transparent pricing. See the United States guide ](/services/patent-filing/us)[ ![India flag](https://flagcdn.com/w80/in.png) IPO ### India File provisional, complete, and design applications with the Indian Patent Office. Significant fee discounts for individuals and startups. See the India guide ](/services/patent-filing/india)[ ![China flag](https://flagcdn.com/w80/cn.png) CNIPA ### China File invention patents, utility models, and design patents with CNIPA. Utility models offer fast, lower-cost protection. See the China guide ](/services/patent-filing/china)[ ![United Kingdom flag](https://flagcdn.com/w80/gb.png) UKIPO ### United Kingdom UKIPO national patent filings with one of the world's most cost-effective examination fees. See the United Kingdom guide ](/services/patent-filing/uk)[ ![Japan flag](https://flagcdn.com/w80/jp.png) JPO ### Japan JPO patent filings with rigorous examination standards. Strong protection for technology and consumer brands. See the Japan guide ](/services/patent-filing/japan)[ ![Canada flag](https://flagcdn.com/w80/ca.png) CIPO ### Canada CIPO patent filings with predictable timelines and bilingual prosecution options. See the Canada guide ](/services/patent-filing/canada)[ ![Australia flag](https://flagcdn.com/w80/au.png) IP Australia ### Australia Standard patents, innovation patents (legacy), and registered designs through IP Australia. See the Australia guide ](/services/patent-filing/australia)[ ![Germany flag](https://flagcdn.com/w80/de.png) DPMA ### Germany German national patents (DPMA), utility models (Gebrauchsmuster), and registered designs with one of Europe's strongest IP enforcement systems. See the Germany guide ](/services/patent-filing/germany)[ ![South Korea flag](https://flagcdn.com/w80/kr.png) KIPO ### South Korea KIPO patent filings with one of the world's fastest examination pipelines. See the South Korea guide ](/services/patent-filing/korea)[ Many at once ### PCT application One international filing holds your priority date while you decide which countries to enter. See the PCT route ](/services/patent-filing/pct) Ready to protect your invention in European Patent Office (EPO)? ## Ready when you are. Start with a search and a filing strategy. Book a free consult or send your invention details and we'll quote Step One. 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