I. Requirements for Albania after EP grant
I.1 Translation requirements
No official language in common with one of the official languages of the EPO.
A translation of the claims of the European patent into Albanian as well as the European patent specification in English or translated into English must be supplied. If the European patent has been maintained in amended form, a translation of the amended claims into Albanian must be filed.
I.2 Professional representative
Applicants with neither residence nor principal place of business in Albania must appoint a representative authorized to act before the GDIP.
I.3 Period for filing the translation
3 months after the date on which the mention of grant or the decision to maintain the patent as amended is published in the European Patent Bulletin.
I.4 Office fee for translation
The amount is equal to Albania’s year 5 patent renewal fee.
II. Double-patenting allowed?
No. In the case of an invention disclosed in both a national patent and a European patent designating the Republic of Albania – both patents having the same date of filing or, when priority is claimed, the same date of priority, and belonging to the same person or his successor in title – the national patent ceases to have effect, to the extent that it protects the same invention, from the date on which:
(a) the period for filing the notice of opposition to the European patent expires without such notice being filed, or
(b) the opposition proceedings are finally closed, the European patent having been maintained.
III. Territory
Territory of the Republic of Albania
IV. Useful links:
EP validation: National Law relating to EPC, X. Miscellaneous, Albania (epo.org)
International: PCT Applicant’s Guide Albania – Valid as from 15 Sep 2023 (wipo.int)
