The European Patent Office (EPO) offers inventors a uniform application procedure which enables them to seek patent protection in up to 40 European countries. Supervised by the Administrative Council, the Office is the executive arm of the European Patent Organisation.
As the Patent Office for Europe, we support innovation, competitiveness and economic growth across Europe through a commitment to high quality and efficient services delivered under the European Patent Convention.
The European Patent Academy provides patent-related training to lawyers, patent office staff, judges and other interested parties.
A list of public holidays at each EPO site.
At the EPO, we recognise that we are part of a wider community and take our responsibility for the environment and the cities we work in seriously.
The Office's core activity is the examination of patent applications and the grant of European patents. We also provide patent information and training services.
The Office works in close co-operation with the patent offices of the member states and other countries around the world.
Over 20 states met at a diplomatic conference in Munich in 1973 to discuss the introduction of a European patent grant procedure.
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