VALIDATION IN BELGIUM AND THE NETHERLANDS
Belgium
Since 1 January, 2017, a patentee does not need to file a translation. An EP patent, granted AFTER January 1, 2017 is valid in Belgium from the moment the first annuity fee has been paid.
It is advisable that a Belgian Patent Agent is appointed as address for contact for the patentee, especially for non-European patentees. The filing of a PoA is not required. You can check the status of your patent here.
The Netherlands
The validation of a granted EP patent in the Netherlands is subject to:
- if the patent is granted in English: filing of a Dutch translation of the claims; or
- if the patent is granted in German or French: filing of a Dutch translation of the claims AND filing of an English translation of the specification (description, drawings, sequences);
- payment of a validation fee (25 Eur).
The filing of a PoA is not required. You can check the status of your patent here.
Furthermore, we can take care of the registration of a change of address, a change of name, a change of patent owner, registration of a transfer or license, etc. with the BE and NL Patent Office.
We validate using the EPOnline validation software from the EPO, 24/24 hours, 7/7 days.