Patents in the European union...

Probably not at the proper forum, but found no appropriate other. Similar subject seen spread to different forums. Please move if deserved, and pardon the intrusion.

Perhaps someone knows about this... please correct misconceptions :
A patent in Europe can be granted if there is no previous disclosure of a device, that is, being a new design.
If a working device or prototype has been demonstrated/disclosed without agreement to
- one person
- a dozen persons
- published somewhere on the web
Then cannot be patented.

Can a device already published on the web be patented only by the author (and publisher) or anyone can grab it as own ?
Are european patent applications allowed to EU citizens only ?
Can european patents be filed by non-EU based companies ?
What is the typical delay for EU patent process ?
Is any EU country ruled the same for the process or some may impose their rules ?

Or, any good link that explains details ?

Any person / company can apply for patent in any countries. by applying international patent

https://www.epo.org/index.html

Externet said:

Can a device already published on the web be patented only by the author (and publisher) or anyone can grab it as own ?

Click to expand...

**broken link removed**