European Patent Applications

A European patent can provide protection for an invention in up to 38 countries.

What is a European patent application, and why do I want one?

A patent is a legal monopoly giving the inventor (or their company) of a new and useful device or process the right to stop third parties from making, selling, importing or otherwise the invention without permission. A patent can be licensed to third parties in return for royalty payments, and forms an asset which can be sold. Profits deriving from patented products and processes can also benefit from preferential tax rates.

The European Patent Convention (EPC) allows a single patent application to be filed and granted to have effect in up to 38 countries (see list below).