For US Companies · EPO & UPC Representative
A European Patent Attorney for US Companies.
Direct EPO filing, prosecution, opposition and Unified Patent Court representation — built for US deep-tech companies entering Europe through PCT or direct EP.
Response within one business day · No obligation
Built for US clients
Why US companies work with a European Patent Attorney directly.
Most US companies first meet European patent practice through their US firm's foreign associate — a chain of two law firms, two markups, and a translator in the middle. That works, until the EPO examiner writes something surprising.
Working directly with a European Patent Attorney removes the middle layer. Your claims get drafted for European examination from the start, examination reports are answered by the person arguing them, and fees are transparent in USD-comparable terms — no associate markup on top of official fees.
US in-house counsel, general counsel and founders typically bring me in for PCT regional phase entry, tough EPO office actions, opposition against a blocking European patent, and UPC opt-in / opt-out decisions.
- →One point of contact — no US firm → foreign associate chain
- →Claims drafted for EPO examination, not translated late
- →Transparent fees, quoted per matter (no associate markup)
- →US business-hour overlap for calls and deadlines
- →UPC representative — opt-in / opt-out handled in-house
When to hire European counsel
Situations where a European Patent Attorney pays for itself.
- 01You are preparing to enter Europe through PCT and need a real EPO strategy — not a copy of your US file.
- 02You've received an EPO examination report and the objections are getting sharper.
- 03A competitor's European patent is blocking you, and the 9-month opposition window is still open.
- 04You need to validate a granted European patent across multiple states — including the Unitary Patent option.
- 05You're weighing UPC opt-in vs opt-out for an existing portfolio.
Services
What a European Patent Attorney does for you.
EPO filing & PCT regional phase
Claim strategy adapted for European examination from the start — not translated at the last minute.
European prosecution
Direct handling of examination reports, amendments and oral proceedings before the EPO.
EPO opposition (attack & defence)
Central challenges within 9 months of grant — often the most cost-effective way to clear a blocking patent.
UPC representation
Representation before the Unified Patent Court, plus opt-in / opt-out strategy for existing EP portfolios.
European validation & Unitary Patent
Post-grant validation strategy across national offices and the Unitary Patent — cost-optimised for your markets.
Freedom-to-operate & portfolio review
Practical FTO opinions and portfolio triage for founders, CTOs and in-house IP counsel.
Credentials
Qualified. Technical. Direct.
- — Qualified European Patent Attorney (EQE)
- — Representative before the Unified Patent Court
- — Physics background — comfortable with technically demanding subject matter
- — Own established practice — you work with me, not a delegated associate
- — Direct communication with inventors, engineers and founders
Learn more
Guides on European patents & EPO practice.
In-depth articles covering the decisions you'll face — from choosing counsel and filing costs to validation, UPC and hiring triggers.
How to Choose a European Patent Attorney (2026 Guide)
What actually matters when picking European counsel — qualifications, technical fit, UPC eligibility.
Read the guide →European Patent vs Unitary Patent: Which Should You File?
Classic EP validation, Unitary Patent, or both — a decision framework by market and budget.
Read the guide →Cost of Filing a European Patent: Full 2026 Breakdown
Official fees, attorney fees, translations and renewals — with real ranges from filing to grant.
Read the guide →Patent Attorney vs Patent Lawyer: What EU Inventors Need to Know
Who can represent you before the EPO, national courts, and the UPC — and when each matters.
Read the guide →EPO Filing Process Explained Step by Step
From priority to grant: search, examination, oral proceedings and validation.
Read the guide →Validating a European Patent in Germany, France & the UK
National validation requirements, translation rules and cost-cutting strategies after grant.
Read the guide →How US Startups File a European Patent from the US
PCT vs direct EP, priority timing, and how to prepare a US-drafted application for European examination.
Read the guide →When to Hire a European Patent Attorney: 7 Signs You're Ready
Practical triggers — PCT deadlines, examination reports, opposition windows and UPC decisions.
Read the guide →
FAQ
European Patent Attorney — common questions.
- What is a European Patent Attorney?
- A European Patent Attorney is a professional entered on the list maintained by the European Patent Office, entitled to represent applicants before the EPO in filing, prosecution and opposition proceedings. Many are also representatives before the Unified Patent Court.
- Do I need a European Patent Attorney if I already have US counsel?
- Yes. Only European Patent Attorneys can represent applicants before the EPO. European examination and claim practice differ substantially from the US, so having dedicated European counsel from the start protects scope and avoids late, expensive rework.
- Can you represent us before the Unified Patent Court?
- Yes. I am a UPC representative and can act in proceedings before the Unified Patent Court, including infringement, revocation and opt-out matters.
- How much does a European Patent Attorney cost?
- Fees depend on the stage — filing, examination, opposition or UPC litigation. For a specific matter I quote transparently; see the cost breakdown post below for typical ranges.
- Do you work with US companies directly?
- Yes. Most of my client work is with US deep-tech companies entering Europe through PCT or direct EP filings. I engage with US in-house counsel, general counsel and founders directly — no foreign-associate chain required.
- Can a US patent attorney file at the EPO for us instead?
- No. Only a qualified European Patent Attorney (or equivalent professional representative on the EPO list) can represent an applicant before the EPO. US firms typically instruct a European attorney as foreign associate — you can also engage one directly and remove the extra layer.
- How do European patent costs compare for US applicants?
- For a typical PCT regional phase entry, expect official EPO fees plus attorney work in the low-to-mid five figures USD through examination, then validation and renewals. Working directly (rather than through a US firm plus foreign associate) removes one markup layer. See the full cost breakdown post below.
- How do time zones and communication work?
- I schedule calls in US business hours (typically morning ET / afternoon CET) and respond to email within one business day. EPO deadlines are handled on European time so nothing slips.
- Should our US company opt out of the UPC?
- It depends on portfolio value, litigation risk appetite, and where your competitors sit. Opt-out avoids central revocation but forfeits central enforcement. I review existing EP portfolios and recommend opt-in / opt-out per family — see the UPC opt-out guide for the framework.
Ready to speak with a European Patent Attorney?
Send me the basics of your matter — filing plan, examination report, opposition notice or UPC question — and I'll come back within one business day.
Prefer an overview first? See the European patents service page.