European Patent (EPO) Validation in Cyprus

1. Terms for patent validation in Cyprus

The period for filing the translation in 3 months after the date on which the mention of the grant or the decision to maintain the patent as amended is published in the European Patent Bulletin.

The publication fee is deemed to have been paid only when proof of payment has duly been provided. The translation must be accompanied by a copy of the drawings in the EP specification even where there is no textual matter.

2. Conditions for patent validation in Cyprus

2.1 Translation – Cyprus has enacted provisions under Article 65(1) EPC and requires a translation of the complete European patent specification if the European patent has not been granted in one of their official languages.

• For provisional protection: it is required a translation of the complete patent specification, in Greek. Proof of payment of the fee must be submitted with the translation.The EP application and publication number, the name and address of the applicant and the title of the invention must be submitted with the translation. Where a priority is claimed, the relevant particulars must be stated.
• After grant: a translation of the patent specification into Greek must be supplied. Proof of payment of the fee must be submitted with the translation. The EP application and publication number, the name and address of the patent proprietor and the title of the invention must be submitted with the translation. Where as a result of opposition proceedings the EP is maintained in an amended form, the translated amended text shall be attached to the original translation. The translation must be accompanied by 2 copies of the drawings in the EP specification, even where there is no textual matter. Moreover, two copies of the patent abstract translated into Greek must be supplied. Due date is 3 months after the date on which the mention of the grant or the decision to maintain the patent as amended is published in the European Patent Bulletin.

2.2 Payment of patent validation and national registration fees:

There is a special fee to be paid: 85,43 EUR. Mention of the filing of the translation is not published until the fee has been paid.

3. Effect of the European patent as a national Cyprus patent

Under Article 64(1) EPC, a European patent automatically confers on its proprietor from the date on which the mention of the grant is published in the European Patent Bulletin, in each contracting state in respect of which it is granted, the same rights as would be conferred by a national patent granted in that state.

4. Patent annuities in Cyprus

• Due date: the date preceding the anniversary date of filing (Form P.13).
• Time limit for payment (without surcharge): N/A.
• Earliest possible date for payment: payment may not be made more than 3 months before due date.
• Period of grace for payment of fees (with surcharge): 6 months from due date.