The contents of the description do not require close scrutiny – it is sufficient to identify a document (or documents) which appear(s) to include a description. If instead of filing a description, the applicant has filed a reference to a previously filed application, see A‑II, 4.1.3.1.

4.1.3.1 Reference to a previously filed application

Use of the prescribed request for grant form or the software provided by the EPO for electronic filing (see A‑II, 1.2.2) best provides "the indication that a patent is sought" as referred to in A‑II, 4.1(i) (see also A‑III, 4).

4.1 Minimum requirements for according a date of filing

The authority with which the application is filed – either the EPO (Munich, The Hague or Berlin) or the competent national authority – must mark the documents making up the application with the date of receipt and issue a receipt to the applicant. The receipt must be issued without delay and include at least the application number, the nature and number of the documents and the date of their receipt. The receipt should also include the applicant's or representative's file reference number or any other information which would be helpful in identifying the applicant.

A European patent application may be filed by any natural or legal person, or any body equivalent to a legal person by virtue of the law governing it.[Art. 58; ]

For the purposes of proceedings before the EPO, the applicant shall be deemed to be entitled to exercise the right to the European patent.[Art. 60(3); ]

The application may be in the name of one person or several persons may be named as joint applicants.