European Patent (EP) and European Patent Applications
The European Patent system allows patent protection in several European countries with a single application. The applicant can decide in which countries their patent will be valid, and the patent is granted through a centralized procedure by the European Patent Office (EPO).
European Patents have the same legal effect as national patents in the countries that are members of the European Patent Convention (EPC).
Requirements for European Patent Application
The European Patent Convention (EPC) requires three essential criteria for an invention to be patentable:
✅ Novelty: The invention must not have been disclosed or used before in any form.
✅ Inventive Step: It must go beyond the current state of the art.
✅ Industrial Applicability: The invention must be capable of being produced and used in industry.
The application must be filed in one of the three official languages of the European Patent Office: English, French, or German.
Advantages of the European Patent System
✅ For Applicants:
- Provides patent protection in multiple European countries.
- Saves time and costs with a single application.
- Offers a streamlined process with one registration procedure across all EPC member countries.
- Each European Patent undergoes an examination procedure, ensuring a strong and reliable patent.
✅ For the Public:
- Provides access to the latest technologies.
- Facilitates technology transfer.
- Encourages research into alternative inventions.
- Contributes to identifying technical and market trends.
- Helps prevent duplication in R&D activities.
- Countries that are Members of the European Patent Convention (EPC)
- ✅ Germany
✅ Italy
✅ Albania
✅ Iceland
✅ Austria
✅ Liechtenstein
✅ Belgium
✅ Luxembourg
✅ Bulgaria
✅ Hungary
✅ Czech Republic
✅ Malta
✅ Denmark
✅ North Macedonia
✅ Estonia
✅ Monaco
✅ Finland
✅ Norway
✅ France
✅ Poland
✅ Greek Cyprus
✅ Portugal
✅ Netherlands
✅ Romania
✅ Croatia
✅ Slovakia
✅ United Kingdom
✅ Slovenia
✅ Ireland
✅ Turkey
✅ Spain
✅ Greece
✅ Sweden
✅ Lithuania
✅ Switzerland
✅ Latvia
✅ Serbia
Countries Recognized for European Patents (but Not EPC Members)
Montenegro
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Secure Your European Patent Applications with Başalan Patent!
As Başalan Patent Limited Company, we offer professional consultancy services in European Patent applications, international patent protection, and intellectual property management. With over 30 years of experience and a specialized team, we are ISO 9001:2008 certified and provide expert services both in Turkey and globally.