Self-representation
Any natural or legal person with a domicile or principal place of business in an EPC member state may conduct their own case before the EPO. Self-representation applies to all parts of the case.
Representation by an employee
When a company represents itself, an employee may act on behalf of the company. The employee must have authorization from a signatory in the company. The authorization can be a specific authorization or a general authorization.
An employee of a parent company cannot represent a subsidiary in patent cases where the subsidiary is the holder of the rights.
Representation by patent attorney
If a patent attorney is to represent you before the EPO, the attorney must be on the EPO's list of authorized attorneys.
Citizens of a Member State can apply to be included in the list after passing the European Qualifying Exam (EQE).
You can find more information on the EPO's website:
Representation by a lawyer with a Norwegian legal license
Practising lawyers with a Norwegian bar license do not need to be authorized by the EPO, and can still represent clients before the EPO. They are not on the list of authorized representatives.
The lawyer must have power of attorney from the client, either a specific power of attorney or a general power of attorney.