The European Patent Office (EPO) is introducing a significant innovation for patent applicants: As of October 1, 2025, drawings in European patent applications may also be submitted in color – a major step towards a more modern and flexible patent application process.
Background of the change
Until now, the EPO only accepted black-and-white drawings. With the decision of the President of the European Patent Office of July 7, 2025 (OJ EPO 2025, A49), color and grayscale drawings are now explicitly permitted – but only when filed electronically.
What does this mean for applicants?
The new regulation allows complex technical content to be presented more clearly and in greater detail. Colors can help to:
- To visualize functions and processes more clearly
- Clearly distinguish between components or material layers
- Avoid misunderstandings in interpretation