New EPO extension state
The European Patent Organisation (EPO) welcomed another extension state as Montenegro became an extension state as of 1 March 2010.

The extension states (currently Albania*, Serbia, Bosnia - Herzegovina and Montenegro) have a special agreement with the EPO making it possible to extend a European patent to be in force in one or more of these states. Designation of states (contracting states and extension states, if any) which should be covered by the application must be specified in connection with filing. The European Patent Organisation now comprises 36 member states + 4 extension states. 

* Albania is welcomed as a new EPO member state as of 1 May 2010.