AI-assisted minute-taking extended to Unitary Patent oral proceedings
Following a successful pilot phase, the EPO is extending the use of AI to support minute-taking in oral proceedings before the Unitary Patent Protection Division (UPPD).
Following the positive results of the 2025 pilot, the European Patent Office (EPO) is extending AI-assisted minute-taking to oral proceedings before the Unitary Patent Protection Division. The approach is already used in oral proceedings in examination, opposition, before the Receiving Section and the Legal Division.
This step further integrates AI-supported tools into the patent-granting process, while maintaining full human oversight and responsibility for the final minutes.
How AI supports the work of divisions
Audio is recorded via the videoconferencing system, and a transcript is generated using an AI tool. Shortly after the oral proceedings, the transcript is processed by the division with the support of another AI tool to produce draft minutes. After review, the minutes are finalised by the division in accordance with Rule 124(3) EPC. In line with data protection and procedural safeguards, the recording and its transcription are deleted once the minutes are issued to the parties.
Lessons from the 2025 pilot
The pilot helped refine and accelerate transcript generation. Examination and opposition divisions reported improvements in the consistency, structure and language of minutes, which were also welcomed by parties to the proceedings.
