Monaco and European Patent Office explore closer cooperation

Monaco and the European Patent Office (EPO) have agreed to explore new areas of cooperation, including digital services and support for small businesses and innovators.

EPO President António Campinos met on 28 September with Frédéric Cottalorda, Minister of Finance and the Economy, alongside officials responsible for economic development and industrial property. Discussions focused on innovation, digital transformation and improving access to intellectual property services.

The two sides will assess whether Monaco could use the EPO’s Front Office platform for online patent filings. The review will consider technical, operational and legal requirements, as well as potential benefits for users in the Principality.

They also discussed modernising Monaco’s industrial property framework, including possible regulatory changes to bring it closer to international standards and the European Patent Convention while maintaining accessibility and legal security.

A member of the EPO since 1991, Monaco reinforced its cooperation with the organisation through a bilateral agreement signed in March 2025. Both sides said they would continue exploring collaboration, including on national patent processing and digital tools for businesses, researchers and innovators.