Diversity and Inclusion
The Boards of Appeal are the final judicial instance in patent granting procedures before the European Patent Office (EPO) and are fully aligned with EPO diversity and inclusion (D&I) objectives and initiatives. With more than 200 staff members, we have developed our own vision, mission and strategy for D&I, tailored to the nature of the Boards of Appeal.
As a judiciary, we have the obligation of consistently delivering decisions of the highest quality for the benefit of users and society at large while continuously pursuing innovation and greater efficiency. The diversity of our staff is crucial to our continued success.
Our D&I strategy and actions aim to cultivate an inclusive workplace where individuals feel valued and respected for their uniqueness —where all Boards of Appeal staff members can express themselves, be empowered to reach their full potential and contribute to the development of a modern judiciary.
We are committed to providing an environment that enables talented individuals to excel, regardless of their personal or professional backgrounds.
As the President of the Boards of Appeal, I am dedicated to living our D&I vision and mission, alongside the chairpersons, members and the support staff of the Boards of Appeal.
Carl Josefsson
President of the Boards of Appeal
- D&I vision and mission
The Boards of Appeal of the European Patent Office are an international judicial body consisting of more than 200 staff members from all over Europe.
Our work is shaped by a rich and unique mix of cultures, perspectives, personalities and experiences. We see this as one of our greatest strengths, and this is why we promote diversity and inclusion across all our boards and in all aspects of our work.
The principles of impartiality, respect for diversity and inclusion – the essential foundations of a fair and independent judiciary – lie at the heart of who we are. They are both what we stand for and what we strive for.
We encourage our staff to develop their individual strengths regardless of age, gender, origin, belief, sexual orientation, physical and cognitive ability or professional background.
Together we are responsible for acknowledging, respecting and promoting diversity in all its forms.
- D&I strategy
The Boards of Appeal D&I strategy to achieve a fully inclusive and modern judiciary covers the period 2022-2027. It includes the following six target areas, defined and prioritised based on a Boards of Appeal staff survey.
- General awareness of D&I, both at the Boards of Appeal and beyond
- Gender
- Nationality and ethnicity
- Age
- Professional background and job function
- Sexual orientation and identity
For each of these areas, activities have been defined to help achieve an even higher level of diversity and inclusion at the Boards of Appeal. A dedicated working party has been set up to implement and promote these.
- D&I activities
- D&I awareness training
- D&I lectures
- Introducing gender-inclusive language
- Advising on D&I issues