Under the current European patent system, the EPO considers and grants European patents; for the granted patent to apply in different member states, however, the patent holder has to request validation individually in each.
Kasutusel oleva Euroopa patendisüsteemi kohaselt on Euroopa patentide läbivaatajaks ja andjaks EPO; selleks, et antud patent kehtiks erinevates liikmesriikides, peab patendi omanik taotlema kinnitamist igas riigis eraldi.