What is in the planning for
EPO Online Services
Martin Adu
23 April 2015
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What is in the planning...
 A single, secure browser GUI (web portal) for:
− Online Filing/ Mailbox/ MyFiles / Online Fee Payment
/ File Inspection
− Search For Life NEW
− Global Dossier (EP/US/CN/KR/JP) NEW
 No software to install, it runs in your browser
− Everyone has the distributed version from Day One
 What will not change:
− I still use my Smart Card to access the services
− Import/Export still works as today
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Single User Interface
 All EPO Online Services in one place
 A consistent way of interacting with the EPO
− In-tray –> Dossier List –> Preview
 EPO makes any updates centrally
− All legal changes active on the correct day
− No more software updates inside your offices
 Support for non-windows web browser e.g. Apple Safari, Ubuntu
− Same level of security
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What is in the planning - Single User Interface
Preview
Dossier List
In-trays – Published/Unpublished
European Patent Office
Open In...
Page 4
What is in the planning - Online Filing
 1 system used by all (EPO customers and EPO staff)
 Web-based application accessible using any browser (Firefox,
Internet Explorer, Chrome, Safari...)
 Data and documents are stored on a network hosted by EPO
 Secure login for external users using EPO Smart Card
 Start a New Filing/SFD directly from the In-tray view
− Form Filling for online filing is the same
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New Online Filing (CMS)
Platform Formalities
COMPARISON Between OLF and New OLF (CMS)
Martin Adu
Customer Business development
23 April 2015
COMPARISON TABLE: OLF/CMS(new olf)
File Manager Interface
Interface:
Available Forms
Available Forms
 EP1001
 EP1001
 EP1200 (Euro-PCT)
 EP1200 (Euro-PCT)
 PCT RO101
 PCT RO101
 EP1038 (including appeal)
 EP 1038 (including Filing, Search,
 EP OPPO (Opposition)
 PCT SFD (Subsequent actions)
 PCT Demand
 Submission to National Office
European Patent Office
Exam, OPPO & Appeal) & all EP Fees
 PCT SFD (Subsequent actions for all
PCT phases and documents)
 PCT Demand
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COMPARISON TABLE: OLF/CMS(new olf)
Possible File Manager Actions:
Possible File Manager Actions:
 Create/edit Folders
 Create/edit Folders
 Create/edit Templates
 Create/edit Templates
 Import /Export XML applications
 Import XML/ Export applications (also
(also from Patent management
from Patent management
Systems)
systems) (Form 1038 later)
 Trash Box
 Portfolio management
 Delete drafts
European Patent Office
Page 8
COMPARISON TABLE: OLF/CMS(new olf)
Address book
Address book
 (Add/remove/edit contacts)
 (Add/remove/edit contacts)
 (Import /export functions)
 (Import /export functions)
European Patent Office
Page 9
COMPARISON TABLE: OLF/CMS(new olf)
Environments
Environments
 Demo / Production environment  Demo / Production modules
 Sorting of form fields in File
manager
(same page)
 Sorting of form fields in the
Inbox
European Patent Office
Page 10
COMPARISON TABLE: OLF/CMS(new olf)
User can attach:
User can attach:
 PDF
 PDF
 Pre-Conversion archive (zip)
 Pre-Conversion archive (zip)
 SEQL in txt or pdf
 SEQL in txt or pdf
 XML
 XML ( planned for next release)
European Patent Office
Page 11
COMPARISON TABLE: OLF/CMS(new olf)
Signing Methods:
Signing Methods:
 Alphanumeric
 Alphanumeric
 Facsimile
 Facsimile
 Digital (With Smart card)
 Smart card used at starting of
program and must remain in
reader during use, including at
signing.
European Patent Office
Page 12
COMPARISON TABLE: OLF/CMS(new olf)
Workflow:
Workflow:
 Draft(including payment),
 Draft,
 Preview and signing,
 Pay fees,
 Sending
 Preview and signing,
 Submit
European Patent Office
Page 13
COMPARISON TABLE: OLF/CMS(new olf)
Submission Process:
Submission Process :
 Progress bar shows progress
 Progress bar after submission
and end of submission.
and link to the receipt on
application number and a
message is displayed in Inbox
once submission is successful.
European Patent Office
Page 14
COMPARISON TABLE: OLF/CMS(new olf)
Multi user feature:
Multi user feature:
 Can be set up so that multiple
 Can be set up so that multiple
users can access the same
users can access the same
database through the User
database through the Account
Administration Option..
Management Option.
European Patent Office
Page 15
COMPARISON TABLE: OLF/CMS(New olf)
Application number:
Application number:
 Application number is displayed  Application number can be
in File manager.
European Patent Office
seen after loading application.
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Constraints of OLF and Improvements in new
OLF (CMS)
OLF
New OLF(CMS)
Need to Update Fee tables
The user always sees the latest fee
amounts
Need to Update software with patches
and maintenance releases with rule
changes
The user always has access to the latest
software without downloading new
versions to his infrastructure (no change
management process needed)
Limited to running on Windows only.
Working on Windows, Macintosh and
potentially on Linux. The Smart card
software for all 3 is available. Request
through Customer Desk
Windows and font size cannot be resized, which is a severe ergonomic
constraint
Windows and font size can be re-sized,
which is a distinct ergonomic benefit
No spell checker in forms.
Automatic spell checker in forms.
European Patent Office
Page 17
What is the CMS
1 EPO’s new Case Management System
2. The filing program is the first implementation
3. Smart Cards need to be registered to be able to use CMS.
After the first person registers, they can add other users from
their company.
4. In registering, they need to decide from the onset, the correct
name of the company and if they want multiple branches to use
same inbox.
5. Online Tutorial available
European Patent Office
Page 18
What is the CMS – how can I access it?
1 4. In registering,
Practical: Start CMS
European Patent Office
Page 19
Contact us!
email address to be used for your questions :
[email protected]
The registration form to use the CMS
www.epo.org/applying/online-services/new-online-filing
Please use our contact form for your feedback:
contact form
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Questions?
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Thank you very much for your
attention!
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