Color drawings and new EPO app: More flexibility and networking for patent applicants

1. drawings in color and grayscale permitted from October 2025

Since 1 October 2025, the European Patent Office (EPO) has allowed the electronic filing of drawings in color and greyscale - a significant step in the digitization of the application process (Official Journal EPO 2025, A57). This affects both European direct applications and divisional applications as well as PCT applications when entering the European phase, provided that the original color drawings are available via PATENTSCOPE.

Black and white drawings remain permissible; it will also be possible to combine these with colored drawings in the future. However, the description, claims and summary must still be submitted exclusively in black and white, and no reference should be made to color properties in these parts.

From October 2025, the submitted color drawings will not only be visible in the public file inspection, but will also appear in the B publication - which is particularly advantageous for technical details with high visualization requirements.

Their advantage: colored drawings can increase the comprehensibility and precision of technical content, for example in medical technology or electronics. This can facilitate testing, strengthen protectability and improve the enforcement of rights.

2. new EPO app connects inventors, investors and research institutions

At the same time, the EPO has published a new mobile app designed to connect start-ups, universities and investors. The aim is to bring innovations to market faster and actively promote cooperation in the field of intellectual property.

The app offers:

• a matching function for IP owners and potential partners,
• Targeted filters for technology profiles and cooperation interests,
• Overview of licensed technologies and investment projects.

You can find more information about the app here.

‍Youradvantage: The app offers an uncomplicated way of strategically positioning IP projects and finding suitable cooperation partners for the commercial implementation of your innovations.