Mission statement

The mission of the European Patent Office (EPO) - the patent-granting authority for Europe - is to support innovation, competitiveness and economic growth for the benefit of the citizens of Europe.

In carrying out its mission, the EPO strives to:

• set patent protection standards which respond to the needs of the system's users
• maintain its position as a global player in the international patent world, setting a benchmark for best patent practice
• as one of the world's leading providers of technical information, help to  promote a knowledge-based society in Europe
• stand out as a model international public-service organisation.