EPO strengthens user engagement in 2025

Within the framework of the Quality Action Plan 2025, the European Patent Office (EPO) has broadened the scope of its user engagement programme to reach out to a growing number of universities and public research organisations (PROs). This is in addition to the full spectrum of industry players, including many SMEs, and user associations. The feedback gathered is already shaping targeted improvements and provides the foundations for the forthcoming Quality Action Plan 2026.

Engaging diverse stakeholders across the innovation ecosystem

This inclusive approach to user engagement led to 130 meetings being held with stakeholders from across Europe, Asia and North America. The exchanges brought together representatives from 45 SMEs and micro entities, 42 user associations, 26 larger corporations and 17 public research organisations and universities. Meetings with user associations offered a valuable link to international attorney and industry networks. This diversity, ranging from smaller applicants to some of the world’s top applicants at the EPO, underscores the Office’s central role in Europe’s innovation ecosystem and the global patenting landscape.

Deepening mutual understanding on strategic and technical issues

The meetings provided a forum to address strategic and operational matters of mutual interest. They were complemented by several technical follow-up meetings, offering unique opportunities for hands-on discussions of topics spanning the entire patent granting process.

Focus areas included communication with examiners, the latest developments related to the Unitary Patent and Unified Patent Court, and the growing impact of artificial intelligence and quantum computing on the patenting landscape. The quality and timeliness of procedures remained high on the agenda, alongside advancements in MyEPO services and ongoing harmonisation efforts.

Users also learned more about developments across a range of EPO tools, including those that promote patent intelligence, such as the Deep Tech Finder. This tool makes it easy for investors to identify SMEs, universities, PROs and spinouts that have filed patent applications.  

Listening to the voices of academia and research

Overall, universities and PROs play a crucial role in fostering European competitiveness, as highlighted by a recent EPO study that shows their increasing capacity to capture value and commercialise research results: patent applications from PROs alone almost doubled during the two decades from 2001 to 2020.

During meetings with applicants in academia and research, the EPO gathered unique insights into their specific needs. Representatives confirmed that patenting strategy is integral to their overall innovation and IP strategies, with one remarking that “deep tech without patents is not a reliable business model.” 

The Unitary Patent was repeatedly noted as a strong option for broadening geographical reach while limiting the administrative burden, translation costs and overall fees. Emphasis was also placed on patent quality as playing a key role in generating revenue, attracting investment and establishing partnerships. These patents are often co-owned by a partner in industry, research or science, reflecting the importance of collaboration for many PROs and universities.

The EPO highlighted the Modular Intellectual Property Education Framework (MIPEF), launched in 2023 to help integrate modern IP education into science and engineering university programmes. The Young Professionals Programme was also discussed, which offers graduates from partner universities opportunities to develop skills and advance their careers.

Watch this series of short interviews for insights from academia and research

TNO - Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research

Max Planck Innovation GmbH

CEA (Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives)

CNRS Innovation

Technische Universität Dresden (TU Dresden)

École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)

RWTH Aachen University

Technische Universität Wien (TU Wien)

Politecnico di Milano

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)

Outlook for 2026 and further strategic user insights

All feedback gathered was systematically evaluated so that it directly informs the EPO’s soon-to-be-published Quality Action Plan 2026. The latest annual plan will define all upcoming targeted actions for further improving quality throughout the patent granting process at the EPO. More strategic insights from users can be viewed in the video interview series, “The voice of our users.”