EPO Makes Patents Faster and Greener with New Digital Service!

Starting today, the European Patent Office (EPO) is testing a new way to make the patent process quicker and more eco-friendly. Instead of sending paper documents, the EPO will now let users request and receive priority documents—a key part of the patent process—electronically. This change is part of the EPO’s bigger plan to go fully digital, making things easier for inventors and businesses while reducing waste.

If you’re applying for a patent, you often need to show that your idea was filed earlier somewhere else. This is called a “priority document.” Until now, these documents were usually sent as paper copies. But from today, pilot users can request them digitally through the EPO’s online system, MyEPO Portfolio. Instead of waiting for mail, you’ll get a digital file (a ZIP folder) in your EPO Mailbox, which includes everything you need.

This isn’t just about speed—it’s also about sustainability. By cutting out paper, the EPO is reducing its environmental impact, which is great news for the planet!

This new digital service is a big deal because it makes the patent process simpler and more efficient. It also helps people who are filing patents in countries that don’t use the World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO) digital system. Plus, the EPO is one of the first patent offices in the world to offer this kind of service, showing its commitment to innovation and user-friendly solutions.

2025 is shaping up to be a year of big changes for the EPO. Here’s what’s coming:

• Download Multimedia Files: Soon, you’ll be able to download videos or other multimedia files related to your patent application.
• A Better Online Experience: The EPO’s online system, MyEPO Portfolio, is getting a makeover to make it easier to use.
• More Control for Users: You’ll have more options to manage your applications yourself.
• Online Filing 2.0: The old filing system will be retired, and everyone will use the newer, more modern Online Filing 2.0 tool.

These updates are all about making the patent process smoother and more accessible for everyone.

The EPO’s new digital service is a step in the right direction, but the patent process can still be complex. If you’re an inventor or a business looking to protect your ideas, KOREJZOVA LEGAL is here to help. Our team of experts can guide you through every step, from filing your application to navigating the latest changes. Call us today to get the support you need to secure your innovations!
 
 
 
 
 

Text: EPO. „EPO to Launch Pilot Project for Issuing Electronic Priority Documents Starting Today | Epo.Org". Epo.org, EPO, 27. únor 2025, https://www.epo.org/en/news-events/news/epo-launch-pilot-project-issuing-electronic-priority-documents-starting-today.

Photo: Terry Lorant Photography, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons