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Introduction
The European Patent Organisation’s co-operation with its member states is based on a Co-operation Policy within the European Patent Network.
Objective
The Co-operation Policy's aim is to improve the member states' patent systems by transferring knowledge, skills and expertise and thereby promoting innovation and economic development throughout Europe.
Activities
Co-operation activities focus on:
- supporting member states to maintain national expertise;
- exchanging best practice among national offices and other institutions involved in patent-related matters;
- co-ordinating innovation activities throughout Europe.
The Co-operation Policy covers various areas, including data exchange, access to search tools and databases, patent information, training, patent awareness and office automation tools. Projects in these areas can form part of national action plans agreed between the EPO and the respective member states. The EPO unit responsible for relations with member states draws up the action plans, co-ordinates activities with the implementing units, monitors how projects are progressing and evaluates the results.
Participating states
All member states of the European Patent Organisation can participate in activities covered by the Co-operation Policy. The EPO currently has over 30 member states.
History of co-operation
In 1989, the EPO defined for the first time a framework for co-operation with its member states. This was limited to national projects relating to patent information. It was followed in 1995 by a new co-operation framework that included more tailor-made patent information projects. In 1997, the EPO introduced a further framework that added joint projects benefiting several member states. This framework was extended in 2002 to include areas apart from patent information, such as data preparation, office automation systems, training and patent awareness.
The Co-operation Policy within the European Patent Network, which has now replaced the 2002 framework, includes all other areas liable to promote the best use of common resources.
Contacts
Gérard Giroud
Principal Director
European and International Affairs
Tel. +49 2399 5100
Fax +49 2399 6522
e-mail: ggiroud@epo.org
Georg Pantoglou
Director
Co-operation Member States - Planning
Tel. +43 1 521 26 4510
Fax +43 1 521 26 4513
e-mail: gpantoglou@epo.org
Georg Artelsmair
Unit Co-ordinator for Member States
European Patent Office
Tel. +49 89 2399 8989
Fax +49 89 2399 5239
e-mail: gartelsmair@epo.org