Monday IPDate July 27, 2026

EPO: Patent granting process fully digital as of 1 April 2027

After around a decade of digital transformation in close collaboration with all stakeholders, the European Patent Office (EPO) will formally complete the transition to a fully digital patent granting process (PGP) on 1 April 2027, when digital filing and notification become mandatory. While most users have already embraced the EPO’s high-quality, intuitive and accessible digital services, targeted support will be available to those who have not yet started interacting digitally with the EPO.

> EPO: Patent granting process fully digital as of 1 April 2027

CNIPA and UPRP Extend Focal Point Mechanism

To further promote cooperation in the field of intellectual property (IP) between China and Poland and to provide continued and effective IP services for enterprises from both countries, the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) and the Patent Office of the Republic of Poland (UPRP) have agreed, after consultations, to extend the CNIPA-UPRP Focal Point Mechanism for another five years, from July 8, 2026 to July 7, 2031.

> CNIPA and UPRP Extend Focal Point Mechanism