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The European Patent Office

Das Amt

The European Patent Office (EPO) provides a uniform application procedure for individual inventors and companies seeking patent protection in up to 40 European countries. It is the executive arm of the European Patent Organisation and is supervised by the Administrative Council.

 

 

Mission and vision

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.

President

The current President of the EPO is Benoît Battistelli of France.

Management

The President, the five Vice-Presidents and three other members comprise the EPO's Management Committee.

History

Over 20 states met at a diplomatic conference in Munich in 1973 to discuss the introduction of a European patent grant procedure.

Annual reports

Activities

The Office's core activity is the examination of patent applications and the grant of European patents. Other activities include the provision of patent information and training services.

International relations

The Office co-operates closely with the patent offices in the member states and around the world.

European Patent Academy

The European Patent Academy provides patent-related IP education and training to lawyers, patent office staff, judges and others.

Official holidays

A list of holidays at each EPO site.

Statistics

Statistics on European patents and patent applications.

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