Insights: New rules to come into force regarding the validation of European patents in Belgium

We have been advised that new rules will enter into force on 1 January 2017 regarding the validation of European patents in Belgium.

Currently, if a European patent granted in English is to be validated in Belgium, it is necessary to file a full translation of the specification into German, French or Dutch.  However, under the new rules, if the mention of the grant of a European patent granted in English, or the mention of its maintenance in amended form or after limitation, is published in the European patent Bulletin on or after 1 January 2017, it will no longer be necessary for a full translation into German, French or Dutch to be filed in order for it to be validated in Belgium.

This is a welcome change, and will significantly reduce the cost of validation of European patents granted in English in Belgium.

Please note that if provisional protection is desired it will still be necessary to file a translation of the claims of a pending European Patent application into German, French of Dutch.

Further information about translation requirements for validation of European patents may be found here.