EPO and EUIPO announce new measures as Covid-19 spreads

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe, the EUIPO (European Union Intellectual Property Office) have announced that all deadlines between 9 March 2020 and 30 April 2020 are extended until 1 May 2020 (in fact, all limits are extended until Monday 4 May, given that Friday 1 May is Labor Day).

Until further notice, all EUIPO staff will work from home but will continue to send communications, set deadlines or receive queries by phone or email, but all public events scheduled during this period are postponed. Trademark and design applications will continue to be received, examined and published, says EUIPO.

Following this communication, EPO (European Patent Office) has also announced that all deadlines are extended until April 17. All offices are closed to the public, however, in the meantime, some proceedings may be held by videoconference.