Is it possible to appoint an agent for the European phase with the EPO as receiving Office?
A (common) agent appointed in the PCT request as agent for an international application is appointed only for the international phase. This means that a professional representative authorised to act before the EPO and who acted for the applicant(s) in the international phase is not automatically considered to be the representative for the European phase. However, if the EPO is receiving Office and the agent is appointed by separate authorisation, the applicant(s) may, at the same time, indicate therein that the agent is also appointed to represent the applicant(s) before the EPO as designated or elected Office in the European phase. For the designation of an agent for the international and European phase at the same time, the applicant may use Form EPA/EPO/OEB 1003 available on the EPO's website.[ 24 ]
If the appointment of an agent is effected by reference to an existing general power of attorney and filing of a copy (see point 2.9.010), the appointment of the agent also for the European phase must be explicitly made in a separate notice.
Source: http://www.epo.org/applying/international/guide-for-applicants/html/e/ga_c2_9_7.html
Date retrieved: 17 May 2021