The London Agreement is aimed at reducing the translation costs of European patents granted under the European Patent Convention (EPC).

Prior to the London Agreement, when a European patent was granted, the patent had be translated into an official language of each country in which the patentee wanted patent protection.

The London Agreement provides that participating countries which have an official language in common with an official language of the European Patent Office, i.e. English, French and German, do not require translation of European patents into one of their official languages. Other countries have to choose one of the official languages of the EPO as a "prescribed language", and if a European patent is granted in this language, it does not have to be translated in order to enter into force in their country. Regardless, such countries keep the right to require a translation of the claims in one of their official languages.

Up to now, Monaco, Germany, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Netherlands, Liechtenstein, France, Denmark and Sweden have ratified the agreement, and Slovenia, Iceland and Latvia have deposited their instrument of accession.

Since the Agreement entered into force, patentees whose cases are granted from May 1, 2008 gain the benefit of the agreement in validating their patents.

If you have a specific query or wish to discuss the implications of the agreement for a particular case, we suggest that you contact the responsible attorney as soon as possible.