EPO President reveals how patents and patent knowledge will shape Europe’s path in the age of technology
António Campinos, President of the European Patent Office (EPO), has published an opinion piece on Europe’s ability to fuel technological progress by translating invention into market success.
The article, titled “Reshaping progress: Europe’s path in the age of technology”, appeared in Universo PI, a new channel launched by the Portuguese Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) to mark their 48th anniversary and raise awareness of the role of intellectual property in supporting innovation.
“Technology is the foundation on which European progress is built”, writes President Campinos, “with much of its impact attributed to patents. They are a central part of progress, turning invention into growth, giving investors the confidence to back research and development, as well as opening avenues for licensing, tech transfers, and partnerships.”
He concludes that the European Patent Network, in which INPI is a key partner, can help ensure that “the next chapter of technology is not only invented in Europe but scaled and commercialised here as well.” The article includes an overview of EPO measures, technology platforms and data-driven tools to improve access to the patent system and patent knowledge. An example of such measures to support smaller applicants in scaling up their inventions can be found in the working agreement on search co-operation that Portugal and the EPO recently signed.
