Since the entry of the former Yugoslavian Republic of Macedonia on January 1, 2009, the European Patent Convention now covers 35 member states, so that the European Patent Office can now grant European patents with effect in 35 countries within Europe. Besides the 27 member states of the European Union, the European Patent Convention also covers Croatia, the former Republic of Macedonia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, Switzerland and Turkey. Moreover, the European patent can additionally come into force on request by acceptance through the so-called extension states in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as Serbia.

The extension of the European Patent Convention is likely to be continued, as with Albania, Serbia and San Marino, three further states have already been invited to join the European Patent Convention.

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