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The working environment for employees of the European Patent Office
As the patent granting authority for Europe, the European Patent Office (EPO) strives to support innovation and promote a knowledge-based society in Europe. Its employees enjoy a challenging and stimulating working environment with a distinctly multinational flavour: the EPO is the second largest European organisation, with more than 6 000 employees from over 30 countries.
The EPO is a non-smoking environment.
Tasks
The EPO's core task is granting European patents, but its activities go well beyond the grant procedure. The EPO is one of the world's foremost suppliers of patent information. It also provides services to applicants and supports the national patent and IP offices of the member states.
Locations
Munich
The EPO's headquarters are in Munich, with around 3 300 employees at four different sites around the city. All buildings are equipped with the latest computer technology, spacious offices and ergonomic furniture.
The city is often referred to as an international village because of its friendly atmosphere and compact size. Munich offers easy access to the nearby mountains and lakes.
The Hague
The EPO's second-largest site, with 2 500 staff, enjoys a prime location in the world capital of international justice. Its premises are in Rijswijk, close to The Hague.
As host to over 150 international organisations, The Hague is culturally diverse, with a wide range of foreign pubs and shops. Its sandy beaches and water sports facilities make it the most popular seaside destination in the Netherlands.
Berlin
Around 300 staff work on patent examination at this sub-office in Germany's thriving and dynamic capital.
Vienna
The 120 EPO staff in this elegant, historic capital focus on patent information and managing esp@cenet, the world's largest patent database.
Brussels
A small liaison office was set up in the Belgian capital in 2003 to co-ordinate relations with the European Union.