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A personal welcome from seven EPO employees
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To mark Croatia and Norway's accession to the EPC, seven EPO employees, who each have a personal connection to one of the two countries, have sent personal welcome messages to the new member states.
Velkommen Norge (Welcome Norway)
Veronika Besser (German), Patent examiner in Measuring and Optics
"Having lived in Norway and studied the Northern Lights, I learned to truly appreciate Norwegian culture and nature. Now I'm looking forward to meeting our new Norwegian colleagues. I welcome Norway, the land of wonderful people, midnight sun and aurora, to our colourful community!"
Nicolas Lecerf (French) Patent examiner in Industrial Chemistry
"Many thoughts come to mind when I hear Norway: cross-country skiing, the fjords, but also the oil success story and high-tech solutions in renewable and clean energy. Having worked as a research scientist in Oslo, I will always remember the kindness of the people and their way of life, combining modern society with tradition, culture and nature. A warm welcome to Norway!"
Petter Øen (Swedish and Norwegian), Patent examiner in Human Necessities
"As a country with a tradition for developing exciting technological solutions, Norway truly belongs in the European patent family. As a dual Norwegian-Swedish citizen, I would like to welcome my fellow countrymen to the EPO, and hope that this is the beginning of a long and fruitful co-operation."
Dobro došla Hrvatska (Welcome Croatia)
Hans-Hermann Giese (German), Patent examiner in Pure and Applied Organic Chemistry
"While working in International Cooperation at the EPO a few years ago, I travelled to Croatia on several occasions to meet our partners in the Croatian State Intellectual Property Office. The meetings were always characterised by mutual respect and professional appreciation, and a real friendship formed. I warmly welcome Croatia as a new member state of the EPO."
Günther Körbler (Austrian), Patent examiner in Telecommunications
"I have a close personal connection to Croatia as part of my family lives there. A few months ago, I had the opportunity to combine my knowledge of this culture with my work when I was sent by the EPO's Learning Department to Zagreb to hold a course for the Croatian State Intellectual Property Office. I especially look forward to welcoming new Croatian colleagues to the Office."
Arnaud Maetz (French), Patent examiner in Audio Video Media
"I have come to know Croatia and its warm and generous people through personal contacts and regular visits to the country. I particularly enjoy this culture and I am even learning the language now. That is why I am pleased and proud to welcome Croatia to the European Patent Organisation."
Karin Terzic (Austrian), Communication
"One big attraction of the EPO is the diversity of our staff. With Croatia's accession, the EPO family will be all the richer and Croatia will have taken an important step towards Europe. I welcome Croatia, which has over the years become a second home to me thanks to my family and friends there.