Patent Translation in Europe

The requirements that apply to validating a European patent in the Netherlands are:

• A translation into Dutch of the claims must be filed with our office within 3 months following the date of granting of the European patent.
• If the filing was made with the European Patent Office in a language other than English, a translation of the description must be filed in English or in Dutch.
• A sum of € 25 must be paid within 3 months for filing the translation.

If you do not submit a translation and pay the sum of € 25 within 3 months, your European patent will not take effect in the Netherlands. The 3-month term cannot be extended.

The London Agreement

The London Agreement has simplified the regulations applying to translations of European patents. It has reduced the costs of obtaining European patents. The Agreement came into force on 1 May 2008.

The benefits of the London Agreement are:

• All European patents fall within the scope of the London Agreement
• If your patent granted by the European Patent Office is written in English, you only need to submit a Dutch translation of the claims to our office.
• If your European patent was granted in German or French, you are required to submit a Dutch translation of the claims and an English or Dutch translation of the other documents.