EPO–EFPIA annual meeting 2025

EPO Vice-President Steve Rowan and EFPIA Director of Intellectual Property Policy Michael Swita with their respective delegations

On December 4 2025, the EPO and the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) met in Munich for their annual exchange.

Chaired by EPO Vice-President Steve Rowan, the meeting brought together senior representatives from the biopharmaceutical industry to discuss patent quality, legal certainty and innovation in the health and life sciences sectors.

EFPIA outlined its priorities, noting the relevance of robust examination practices for complex pharmaceutical inventions, especially antibodies and advanced biologics. It further highlighted the importance of predictable divisional practice and clarity in the evolving jurisprudence on plausibility, as well as the strategic significance of the ongoing EU reform on the future unitary SPC system which should be managed by the EPO, in collaboration with a network of national experts.

The EPO shared progress on implementing its Strategic Plan 2028, including investments in recruitment, extensive examiner training and AI-assisted tools to support consistent, high-quality examination. An update on digital transformation covered developments spanning MyEPO Portfolio to the transition toward a fully digital patent granting workflow by 2027. Participants also received updates on the Quality Action Plan 2025, the expanding programme of the EPO Observatory on Patents and Technology, and the continued strong uptake of the Unitary Patent system.

Ensuring quality, predictability and trust in a fast-evolving sector

Both organisations acknowledged the importance of a high-quality, timely and predictable patent system in supporting the long development cycles and scientific complexity inherent in pharmaceutical innovation. They agreed that effective co-operation between patent offices and industry remains essential to ensuring legal certainty, safeguarding investment in R&D and strengthening Europe’s competitiveness in global healthcare innovation.

The EPO reiterated its commitment to transparent quality processes, harmonised practice and evidence-based policy informed by user feedback. EFPIA expressed appreciation for the EPO’s openness and the opportunity to engage directly on technical and policy matters of relevance to the life sciences community.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continue regular exchanges on examination practice, digital transformation, topics linking regulatory and patent frameworks and Observatory studies.

About EFPIA

EFPIA is the voice of the biopharmaceutical industry operating in Europe. The organisation's direct membership includes 37 national associations, 40 leading pharmaceutical companies, and a number of SMEs. EFPIA seeks to advance the interests of its members in developing and delivering new therapies and vaccines.