EPO abolish the use of fax for patent applications

The European Patent Office (EPO) has been phasing out the use of fax in the patent granting process, a move that began in March 2023 when the EPO ceased to send faxes. 

This transition was formalized in a decision by the President of the EPO on 22 April 2024, which set out the complete abolition of fax as a means of filing patent applications and other documents. 

According to this decision and the accompanying notice from the EPO, starting from 1 July 2024, the EPO will entirely discontinue its fax services. This means that the EPO will no longer accept faxes for the filing of any patent-related documents.

The cessation of fax services affects a wide range of filings, including:

This decision marks a significant shift towards more modern and efficient electronic communication methods. 

The EPO is likely encouraging the use of its online filing systems and other electronic means to streamline the patent application process and improve efficiency. 

This change aligns with broader trends in digitization and modernization within administrative and legal processes globally.

While it might seem surprising in today's digital age, fax machines are still used in certain sectors and regions for various reasons, including:

Legal and Regulatory Requirements: In some jurisdictions, faxed documents are still considered legally binding and are accepted as formal communication in legal and administrative processes.

Security and Verification: Fax machines can provide a level of security and verification that is valued in sensitive transactions. Faxes create physical copies that can be more difficult to alter than digital documents.

Technological Adoption Gaps: Some organizations, especially those with established workflows or in regions with limited access to advanced digital infrastructure, continue to rely on fax machines.

Interoperability: Faxes can be sent and received without the need for compatible software or file formats, making them a universally accessible tool for document transmission.

However, the decision by the EPO to abolish fax services reflects a broader trend towards digital transformation. 

By moving away from fax, the EPO is embracing more efficient, secure, and environmentally friendly electronic communication methods. This transition is expected to enhance the speed and reliability of the patent application process.

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