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The work of a patent examiner
A patent is a legal document which for a limited time allows the owner to stop others from exploiting an invention without consent.
The main tasks of a patent examiner are to search and examine patent applications received by the EPO. Patent applications are texts and drawings describing an invention and submitted by individuals or companies seeking legal protection.
The purpose of the search is to find the most relevant, previously published technical disclosures against which the patentability of the application can be assessed.
Substantive examination enables the applicant (or authorised representative such as a patent attorney) to be informed of any objections that may arise to the granting of a patent and to resolve these through correspondence and, where necessary, oral proceedings.
Examiners may also be involved in an opposition phase if the patent is contested.