​​EPO and German government sign amended seat agreement

​​EPO President António Campinos and State Secretary at the German Ministry of Justice Angelika Schlunck sign the amended seat agreement on 21 November 2024 in Berlin

The European Patent Office (EPO) and the German government have signed an agreement to pave the way for the EPO’s move to a new building in Berlin.​

EPO President António Campinos and State Secretary at the German Federal Ministry of Justice Angelika Schlunck today signed an amendment to the Seat Agreement. This enables the envisaged move of the EPO’s Berlin sub-office to its new premises in the heart of Germany’s capital. Moreover, the new text of the Agreement has been streamlined and simplified.    

The amended Seat Agreement was signed at the office building at Alexanderplatz, which has been selected as the new premises for the EPO in Berlin.  

“The EPO has a rich history in Berlin and today’s signing ceremony reaffirms our commitment to the city and to Germany,” said EPO President Campinos. “The smooth co-operation between the EPO and the German authorities reflects the strong relationship we have fostered in the last 50 years, and we are delighted to open a new chapter together today.” 

State Secretary Schlunck said: “Berlin is one of the most dynamic cities in Europe, attracting innovative talent from all over the world. The European Patent Office is an integral part of this environment. It is therefore fitting that the EPO’s Berlin office is now becoming more modern, more sustainable and better equipped for the future. We look forward to continuing our joint work.”  

The EPO has had an office in Berlin since 1978 in a historic building of the former German Imperial Patent Office in Gitschiner Straße in the Kreuzberg district.   

Last year, in agreement with its host country and the other member states, the EPO decided to move its Berlin office to new premises that provide a state-of-the-art work environment for staff. 

The new building at Alexanderplatz was selected for meeting all the Office’s workspace requirements and its central location, and for its eco-friendly features, which will contribute to the EPO’s goal of becoming a carbon neutral organisation by 2030. The EPO will rent two floors of the building. The move is planned for early 2025.  

The EPO currently employs some 200 staff in Berlin, most of whom work as patent examiners or in patent procedure support.