On 1st July 2009, the Republic of San Marino will become the European Patent Office's (EPO's) 36th member state. The instrument of accession to the European Patent Convention (EPC) was deposited on 21st April by the government of San Marino.

On or after 1st July, European patent applications will include the designation of the new contracting state. However, retroactive designation to applications filed earlier will not be possible.

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