Do patent offices require applications in English?
Reviewed by
Dominic Davies, patent attorney (20+ years)
· Last reviewed
September 11, 2026
No. The EPO accepts filings in any language, provided a translation into English, French, or German follows within two months under Article 14(2) EPC. A US provisional application can also be filed in any language, with the English translation supplied when a later application claims priority to it.
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