MUNICH - The European Patent Office (EPO) continually strives to improve the performance and user-friendliness of its digital patent grant process (PGP). In light of this year’s enhancements to MyEPO services, the EPO will take a series of tools out of service as of July 1, 2024, a press release stated by EPO. 

With more advanced and comprehensive alternatives available via MyEPO services, the decision to fully decommission the tools below demonstrates our dedication to efficiency and modernization, a process that will continue under our Strategic Plan 2028. 

As of July 1, 2024, the following tools and services will be decommissioned: 

The legacy Mailbox  

The Mailbox as accessible via MyEPO Portfolio continues to be regularly enriched with more functionalities and now offers a multitude of features that are not available in the legacy Mailbox. The old Mailbox will therefore be switched off. If you are not yet using the MyEPO Portfolio Mailbox, make the switch and try it out now! Learn more by using the links below.

MyFiles and Admin facilities services  

• MyEPO Portfolio now makes files and file administration services more easily accessible than ever before. Together with the legacy Mailbox, the MyFiles and Admin facilities services will therefore also be switched off.   
All fax services relating to the patent grant process 
• Web-based Online Filing 2.0 (OLF 2.0) presents a modern and convenient way of filing applications and other documents. Further, in emergency cases, the Contingency Upload Service is available via our website. From July 1,2024 onwards, the EPO will no longer accept submissions by fax. Having stopped sending faxes in March 2023, all fax services relating to EP, PCT and Unitary Patent proceedings including opposition and appeal proceedings* will therefore cease completely as of July 1, 2024. 

Further information related to the decommissioning of these tools and services has been published in the Official Journal of April 2024.  

Please also consider the following: 

• For an overview of the latest new MyEPO functionalities, have a look at the information below.  
• Our high-performing Online Filing 2.0 application is now used for over 50% of all online filings. If you do not yet use the application, choose OLF 2.0 for your next filing! 
• The use of smart cards for accessing our services is due to cease as of January 1, 2025. Switch to two-factor authentication (2FA) now! Detailed information can be found on our website. 

- For the time being, disciplinary proceedings remain an exception