Strengthening the European Patent Network through IT co-operation

IT co-operation is bringing patent offices together to advance digital transformation across Europe. 

What began as a visionary discussion at the annual co-operation meeting in Kilkenny in 2019 has evolved into a transformation programme supporting digital change across the European patent system. Seven years later, the annual co-operation meeting in Split marked the next chapter in this journey, with participants reflecting on progress and exploring the role of artificial intelligence in future innovation across the network. 

Today, these efforts encompass over 230 initiatives in European Patent Convention (EPC) contracting states and partner offices, with more than 180 already completed. Every EPC national office participates in at least one activity. Together, these initiatives have established a strong model for European collaboration, enabling offices to exchange knowledge, reuse proven solutions, avoid duplication and innovate together. 

This approach has resulted in a growing portfolio of shared capabilities spanning data quality and interoperability, search and AI-enabled tools, Front Office services and reusable Digital Tool Kit components. These capabilities help national patent offices streamline processes, modernise systems and provide better services to applicants and users. More broadly, IT co-operation is laying the foundations for the next generation of patent services, with simpler and more consistent digital experiences, easier access to high-quality patent information, more efficient processes and secure and trusted solutions across Europe. 

Working groups advance shared digital priorities, with AI high on the agenda 

Against this backdrop, the latest working group meeting, held from 21 to 24 September, brought together EPO experts and around 150 participants from 36 national patent offices, alongside specialists from the EUIPO, WIPO and epi. Together, they reviewed progress across the IT co-operation portfolio and discussed shared digital solutions. 

Front Office sessions covered implementation experiences and the ongoing portfolio pilot, providing valuable feedback on adoption, integration and future requirements. In the Digital Tool Kit working group, reusable solutions designed to support national offices, such as those for the preparation of search reports and publications were tested, confirming strong interest in shared services that streamline workflows and reduce duplication across the network. 

Artificial intelligence featured prominently across discussions. Participants took stock of recent developments in ANSERA-based Search (AbS), which now supports around 2 700 examiners across 55 countries. The EPC countries working group explored new capabilities such as enhanced API integrations and the Web Search Assistant, a browser extension that connects AbS with online resources. In parallel, the AI working group highlighted the Legal Interactive Platform (LIP), the AI-based OCR solution developed by the EPO and Mistral AI for processing patent documents, and the AI Playground for interacting with uploaded documents using large language models. 

Sessions on APIs and interconnectors explored integration opportunities for translation, classification, OCR and filing services. Participants also reviewed the modernisation of data exchange services, improvements in patent data quality, and new support and analytics services.  

The Information Security working group discussed practical ways to strengthen security, resilience and co-operation across member states.  

The Single Access Portal group reviewed recent enhancements, reinforcing the portal’s role as the central access point for IT co-operation services.  

These discussions demonstrated the breadth of IT co-operation and the value of combining expertise to deliver modern, reusable digital services. By aligning priorities and exploring emerging technologies, participants continue to advance digital transformation across the EPN.