The European Patent Academy is the external education and training arm of the European Patent Office. Its mandate reflects the need to improve intellectual property training and education structures in Europe.
Set up in 2004, the Academy operates in partnership with a broad range of national and international institutions, including the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO).
Areas and audiences
The Academy's activities are divided into four programme areas covering the following target audiences.
Institutional strengthening
This unit focuses on the training needs of national patent office staff from current and potential member states, along with staff of government institutions and other public-sector employees. Trainees from non-member states are also welcome.
Patent attorneys
This unit co-ordinates and supports training for professional representatives, not only as they start out on their chosen career, but also in their continuing development.
Judicial training
This unit supports and develops training initiatives for judges and other legal professionals, with a view to harmonising patent enforcement and litigation practice in Europe.
Academia and Business
The work of this unit focuses on raising awareness of intellectual property in further and higher education and informing industry and policy-makers about making the most of the intellectual property system and developing effective patent strategies. Training is aimed mainly at university lecturers, technology transfer office staff, and business advisors.
Online training
View our range of e-learning modules.
Upcoming EPO training events
