Detailed information related to the European Patent.

In Germany, the validation and publication of European patents are streamlined due to the country’s participation in the European Patent Convention (EPC) and the London Agreement.

• Translation 

A separate validation request or translation of the patent specification is not mandatory.

• Representation by a patent attorney

No representation by a German registered attorney is required. However, foreign applicants are required to appoint a local German attorney as an "Address for Service" for receiving, interpreting, and handling any communication from the German Patent Office on behalf of the applicant.

• Publication

Upon grant by the European Patent Office (EPO), the patent is published in the European Patent Bulletin. The German Patent and Trade Mark Office (DPMA) then proceeds with the national validation process, which includes recording the European patent in the German Patent Register and publishing the validated patent in the German Patent Gazette (Patentblatt), which is issued weekly, typically on Thursdays.

• Maintenance fees

Annual fees are due each year starting from the 3rd one and should be paid before the expiry of the last day of the month in which the anniversary of the filing date occurs. However, it is possible to pay the annual fee in advance but not earlier than 12 months before the due date. If the fee is not paid before the expiry of the second month from the due date, it may be paid together with a surcharge of EUR 50 before the expiry of the sixth month from the due date.

• Validation fees

The fees associated with validation of a European patent in Germany are available in the fee calculator.

The above information was verified by PATENTSHIP PATENTANWALTSGESELLSCHAFT MBH on 28.02.2025
Please contact us if the above information is not in conformity with German IP Laws