Hoffmann Eitle - München, London

28.10.2008 -

The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to join the European Patent Organisation

On October 28, 2008 the Government of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (MK) deposited its instrument of accession to the European Patent Convention (EPC).

Following the deposition, Macedonia will become the 35th member of the European Patent Organisation on January 1, 2009.

At the same time, the extension agreement between the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and the European Patent Organisation expires on January 1, 2009.

However, all European and international applications that were filed prior to January 1, 2009 and all European patents that will be granted in respect of such applications will be further handled according to the former extension system.