EPO - Discussion forums

Hi everyone,

I would like to ask what possible numbering formats there are for European Patents. Can there be a patent number with more than 7 digits? As I currently understand, possible formats are:

EP X XXX XXX A1 / A2 / A3 / A4 / A8 / A9 / B1 / B2 / B3 / B8 / B9 / W1 / W2

But can there be a patent with e.g. 8 or more digits like

EP XX XXX XXX B1

On the EPA page I could only find the Basic Definitions (https://www.epo.org/searching-for-paten ... tions.html) and information on the numbering system of other countries like e.g. Japan (https://www.epo.org/searching-for-paten ... ering.html).

Many thanks!

Here are few links where you should find all the answers:
Please note that there is a difference between application e.g EP99203729 , publication EP1000000 and kind codes e.g A1. Furthermore, EP application include a check digit, which is left out in most search engine e.g 99203729.1

The EP application numbering system:
https://www.epo.org/law-practice/legal- ... ii_1_7.htm
https://www.epo.org/searching-for-paten ... /help.html

List of WIPO Standards, Recommendations and Guidelines:
https://www.wipo.int/standards/en/part_ ... dards.html

Interesting articles from Patent Knowledge News:
https://www.epo.org/searching-for-paten ... 0718b.html
https://www.epo.org/searching-for-paten ... 20131.html

Useful information concerning numbering system of Asian countries:
https://www.epo.org/searching-for-paten ... ering.html
https://www.epo.org/searching-for-paten ... ering.html
https://www.epo.org/searching-for-paten ... ering.html
..