What are the recognized regional patent offices for foreign filing?

Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-09

This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice.

MPEP 213.01 lists several recognized regional patent offices for foreign filing. These include:

  • European Patent Office (EPO)
  • Eurasian Patent Office (EAPO)
  • African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI)
  • African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO)

Applications filed in these regional offices are considered as having been filed in all member states of the respective organizations. This allows applicants to seek patent protection in multiple countries through a single application process.

Topics: MPEP 200 – Types and Status of Application; Benefit and Priority Patent Law Patent Procedure
Tags: Disclosure Individuals, Disclosure Timing, Materiality Standard, Prima Facie Case