EPO and FICPI strengthen dialogue on AI and co-operation in the patent system

EPO President António Campinos and FICPI President Elia Sugrañes with their respective delegations

In October 2025, the European Patent Office (EPO) and the International Federation of Intellectual Property Attorneys (FICPI) reinforced their cooperation through two key engagements: the FICPI World Congress in Naples and the annual bilateral meeting in Munich.

On 23 October, the EPO and FICPI reinforced their co-operation during a bilateral meeting in Munich, chaired by EPO President António Campinos and attended by the newly elected FICPI 2025-2028 President Elia Sugrañes and colleagues. Both organisations reaffirmed their commitment to structured dialogue with users and to ensuring that innovation remains accessible and inclusive. 

At the meeting, FICPI presented the resolutions adopted during its 2025 World Congress in Naples and outlined its priorities for future co-operation. The EPO shared recent developments in its digital transformation and AI deployment, as well as updates on the Unitary Patent system. Updates were also provided on the Quality Action Plan 2025, the EPO Observatory on Patents and Technology, and the validation system, which continues to expand the reach of European patents beyond Europe. 

Leveraging AI, safeguarding transparency and human expertise

Both organisations acknowledged the need to advance a patent system that leverages digital and AI-driven tools while safeguarding transparency and human expertise. They agreed that close collaboration between institutions and the profession is vital to ensure innovation systems keep pace with technological change, while upholding trust, fairness and legal certainty.

In line with this shared vision, EPO Vice-President Corporate Services Nellie Simon represented the EPO at the FICPI World Congress earlier in the month. She joined senior representatives from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) and Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) in a high-level panel discussion on “What AI and frontier technologies mean for IP practitioners and IP offices.”

Vice-President Simon outlined how the EPO is integrating AI responsibly to enhance quality, efficiency and transparency, while maintaining a human-centred approach. She introduced the EPO’s AI literacy programme, which is mandatory for all staff, and highlighted in-house AI-powered tools such as the ANSERA search engine and AI-assisted drafting systems. Further, she underlined the importance of global co-operation, training and ethical oversight in establishing shared standards for AI in IP.

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FICPI is an international professional association comprised of IP attorneys in private practice. Its aim is to promote common solutions and advocacy for private IP practitioners. Founded in 1906, it currently has more than 6 200 members from 80 countries and regions.