European patent - Language in written proceedings

According to rule 3 of the European Paten Convention (EPC) Implementing Regulations

(1)

In written proceedings before the European Patent Office (EPO) , any party may use any official language of the European Patent Office (English, German or French) . The translation referred to in Article 14, paragraph 4, of the EPC may be filed in any official language of the European Patent Office.

(2)

Amendments to a European patent application or European patent shall be filed in the language of the proceedings. 

(3)

Documentary evidence and, in particular, publications may be filed in any language. The European Patent Office may, however, require that a translation in one of its official languages be filed, within a period to be specified. If a required translation is not filed in due time, the European Patent Office may disregard the document in question. 

Prepared by European Patent Registration and Consulting Services
www.european-patent-registration.com
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