EPO electronic filing: the 2026 rules
The EPO President's decision of 25 March 2026 (OJ EPO 2026, A19) resets which tool, which format and which signature are valid for electronic filing.
European Union
EU intellectual property — European Union Intellectual Property Office and European Patent Office practice, EU legislation and Court of Justice decisions.
EPO fees from 1 April 2026: the new schedule
The Administrative Council's decision of 11 December 2025 sets revised EPO fees from 1 April 2026. What the new amounts are, and where they bite in prosecution.
EPO Mailbox notification from 1 April 2026
From 1 April 2026 an EPO document is notified on the date it lands in an activated Mailbox. What OJ 2026, A20 fixes — and what it leaves to your process.
Ukraine: no more Champagne or Cognac labels
Ukraine's ten-year transition for EU geographical indications ended on 1 January 2026. What must change on labels, and what the run-out allowance covers.
PCT minimum documentation: what changed in 2026
Twenty national patent collections, Ukraine's included, joined the PCT minimum documentation on 1 January 2026. What it means for search and validity work.
New EU tech transfer rules: licence checklist
Regulation (EU) 2026/877 has replaced the 2014 technology transfer block exemption. What licensing teams must re-check in live and draft agreements now.
China's 2026 Trademark Law: act before 2027
China's fifth Trademark Law revision takes effect 1 January 2027. What Swiss and EU brand owners should change now — and what remains unknown.
US patents: mandatory US counsel from July 2026
From 20 July 2026 foreign-domiciled patent applicants and owners need a USPTO registered practitioner. What Swiss and EU filers must change first.
Tesla v InterDigital: UKSC on FRAND forum
The UK Supreme Court allowed Tesla's appeal and held Delaware is not an available forum. What that settles for pool licences — and what it does not.
Ukrainian designs are now searchable in DesignView
EUIPO added more than 98,300 Ukrainian industrial designs to DesignView on 8 July 2026. That changes design clearance searches, not filing routes or rights.
Ukraine's draft roadmap to EPC accession
Ukraine's intellectual property office consulted on a draft 2026-2027 roadmap for acceding to the European Patent Convention. It names five steps and no date.