What is a European patent?

What is a European patent?

Matt Dixon (Partner) gives expert video advice on: If my invention is known overseas, can I patent it in the UK?; Will my patent be worldwide?; What is a European patent? and more...

A European patent is a patent granted by the European Patent Office. And the patent application is examined centrally by an examiner, usually in Munich or in the Hague, who will then issue an examination report and will grant the patent once he's satisfied that it meets all the requirements. Once the European patent is granted, it's turned into national patents in the individual states you choose as the owner of the patent. And you often need to have a translation into the international language. So, on grant, it can be relatively expensive, but up until grant, it can be relatively cost effective to get Europe-wide protection.