The European Patent Office (EPO) is taking another step towards a fully digital patent granting process. As of 1 June 2026, all users will be able to use the ePCT service of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to receive electronic notifications of PCT communications issued by the EPO. This new service replaces paper-based notifications with a faster, more secure digital alternative, streamlining procedures and improving the user experience. It also supports the EPO’s sustainability efforts by reducing paper use and environmental impact.
The new feature is the result of the EPO’s close co-operation with WIPO and its online portal for PCT applications, ePCT. It covers communications issued by the EPO where the Office acts as Receiving Office, International Searching Authority or International Preliminary Examining Authority. For the time being, this feature is not available for communications issued by the EPO as Authority specified for supplementary search under Rule 45bis PCT, and for Receiving Office communications sent before transmittal of the record copy.
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