Search and Examination Matters 2026
This conference takes place from 2 to 5 February 2026 and focusses on how Artificial Intelligence is impacting search and examination.
Event details
Preliminary programme
- Monday, 2 February 2026
Day 1 The AI IP Landscape Introduction Opening, "The Humancentric EPO policy on AI" 1. How AI is impacting IP 2. How AI is Shaping the Tools for the Future 3. From idea to IP – the use of AI in the life of an invention 4. The Legal Interactive Platform - Tuesday, 3 February 2026
Day 2 AI in Search 1. ANSERA – Latest developments 2. Pre-search and state of the art cited 3. Solid written opinions in a timely manner 4. AI in Cheminformatics 5. How can PATLIB centres help you in Search and Examination? - Wednesday, 4 February 2026
Day 3 AI in Examination 1. AI as integral part of subject- matter 2. Graphic user interfaces (GUI and inventive step) 3. Priority and amendments in emerging technologies 4. Examiner/Attorney interplay – understanding each other's position - Thursday, 5 February 2026
Day 4 BoA AI Decisions 1. How BoA decisions are reached and how they should be interpreted 2. Sufficiency of Disclosure in AI inventions 3. Judicial decisions around AI and patents Closing speech
Speakers and panellists
Details for this section will be announced shortly. Please check back for updates.
More information
Search and Examination Matters is the premier gathering for patent professionals.
Join experts from the EPO and epi as they dive into the latest trends shaping the world of patents and intellectual property.
A total of 16 sessions will be held over 4 afternoons. You will have the opportunity to discuss relevant aspects of search and examination in depth with your peers, share day-to-day experiences and get direct answers to your practical questions from EPO examiners and epi experts.
This year’s event will spotlight how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is impacting on search and examination and important sessions include:
- How AI is shaping the tools for the future
- The latest developments in Ansera
- AI in Cheminformatics
- Graphic User Interfaces (GUI) and inventive step
- Sufficiency of disclosure in AI inventtions
This high-level event is organised in close co-operation with the epi.
Who should attend?
Designed for patent professionals, this event will provide valuable insights into the latest search and examination practices and developments at the EPO. All lectures will be identified with an experience level so you can match the lecture with your knowledge. It is not the intention that all participants attend all sessions, but rather, that participants select the presentations which interest them most and match their knowledge level.
If you're looking to deepen your knowledge and stay ahead in this rapidly changing field, this is the perfect opportunity for you.
Please note that this event is not being recorded, so please register if you wish to see the sessions.