epoline®

epoline^® is a European Patent Office (EPO) package of software that uses smart cards to ensure security. It provides on-line services that allow you to create and apply electronically for patents at the Intellectual Property Office. It also allows you to create and send electronically other Intellectual Property Office patents forms. The epoline^® software also allows you to create and apply electronically for patents at other national offices, including the EPO and World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO - PCT).

The service offers:

easy-to-use software for building your applications and forms
validation to help you get applications and forms right first time
confidence that we will receive what you send
less worries about security, postal delivery delays and filing date hassles
immediate filing receipts when you electronically file forms and/or documents
savings from less paper handling, no postage costs and reduced fees for European and PCT applications
secure access to other online services from epoline^® at the EPO

Join epoline^®

To join:

first get your smart card from the EPO
fill in the on-line Intellectual Property Office enrolment form and send it to:

Intellectual Property Office
IT Helpdesk
Room 3G47
Concept House
Cardiff Road
Newport
South Wales
NP10 8QQ

You must hold an account with us. This can either be a deposit or cash account but if you do not have an account, you can open one by telephoning us on +44 (0)1633 814939 or you could:

What happens next?

The EPO will check your smart card application and, if it is accepted, you will be sent a software start up pack, a smart card and reader. You will receive the PIN number for your smart card separately.

When you complete and return the Intellectual Property Office on-line enrolment form we will provide any recent upgrades to the UK software and set up your account so you can file to our server.

Need to update your UK software?

Download UK epoline^® software upgrades.

Can you get help?

If you have problems setting up or using the software, or you have any concerns about epoline^®, please contact us by telephone on +44 (0)1633 813500, fax on +44 (0)1633 814514 or:

Further information about epoline^® is available from the EPO.

Notifying us of changes of circumstances after you've joined

If you have a change of circumstance (i.e. change of name, address or e-mail) after registering to use your epoline® smart card to file patents via the our office, please use the form below to notify us.

See Also