(3 May 2023): From June15th 2023, it will no longer be possible to file international patent applications to the Norwegian Intellectual Property Office as Receiving Office via EPO Online Filing (eOLF). The international applications must then be filed via WIPO's global portal ePCT. This is due to necessary changes in our internal technical infrastructure and transition to a new WIPO-based server. This involves decommissioning the EPO Online Filing software as a filing option with RO/NO.

Filing of international applications via ePCT will not be affected by this change.

ePCT is WIPO's global portal for the filing and managing of international patent applications under the PCT. The majority of our customers have already switched to using ePCT for filing international applications to us as RO/NO, benefiting from the many safeguards and other advantages that ePCT provides.

We encourage our remaining users of EPO Online Filing to switch to using ePCT as a filing channel for their international applications to RO/NO as soon as possible.

ePCT is a secure browser-based system that is easy to use. It requires no local software installation, no smart cards or other proprietary hardware. Via ePCT, the applicant or authorized representative can file new international applications to participating receiving Offices under the PCT and manage all subsequent processes in the same system. The ePCT is available via the WIPO website https://pct.wipo.int/ePCT/.

You can still file the international applications by post or via Altinn if electronic filing via ePCT is not desirable. Please note that filing international applications via Altinn and ordinary post does not qualify for a reduction in the international application fee.

The EPO's Online Filing software will continue to run in parallel with ePCT for a transitional period ending on June 15th. After this date, it is no longer possible to file via the EPO's Online Filing.

Information about ePCT, benefits and how to get started, can be found on WIPO's website https://pct.wipo.int/ePCT/. There you will also find ePCT video totuorials and other useful information for new users.

• If you experience problems with the transition to ePCT, need help and/or guidance, you can contact the PCT eServices Help Desk by email pct.eservices@wipo.int or by phone +41 22 338 9523. The PCT eServices Help Desk is open from Monday to Friday, from 09:00 to 18:00 CET.
• For more information, see our notification to the International Burueau (WIPO) Official Notices (PCT Gazette) – 6 April 2023 (pages 85 – 87).
• Feel free to contact us via post@patentstyret.no if you have any questions.