On 11. February 2010, the Government of the Republic of Albania (AL) deposited its instrument of accession to the European Patent Convention (EPC). The EPC will accordingly enter into force for Albania on 1 May 2010.Any PCT request (PCT/RO/101) filed on or after 1 May 2010 will automatically designate the new EPC contracting state for the purpose of obtaining a European patent (Rule 4.9(a)(iii) PCT). No European patents for Albania can be granted on the basis of international applications with a filing date prior to 1 May 2010. However, a national patent can be granted, assuming that Albania has been designated in the international application. The designation of Albania at the time an international application with a filing date prior to 1 May 2010 enters the European phase is legally invalid. The extension agreement between Albania and the European Patent Organisation will terminate with the entry into force of the EPC in Albania on 1 May 2010. It will therefore no longer be possible to extend European patent applications and patents to Albania. The extension system will, however, continue to apply to all European and international applications filed prior to 1 May 2010, as well as to all European patents granted in respect of such applications.
