Changes in patent translation requirements

With effect from 1 May 2008 the translations you need to file in order for your European patent to have effect in other countries will be reduced. In the UK this means that for a European patent (EP), whose specification is published in French or German and which specifies the UK as one of the countries in which the patent should apply – i.e. for an EP(UK), you will not need to file a translation into English for the patent or amendment to come into force.