Highlights from the latest meeting of the SACEPO Working Party on Quality
The European Patent Office (EPO) has hosted the 16th meeting of the SACEPO Working Party on Quality, bringing together 71 representatives from around the world to exchange on EPO quality initiatives.
On 8 May 2026, the EPO and user representatives met online for an in‑depth exchange on quality initiatives within the European patent system.
EPO President António Campinos opened the meeting with a recorded address, in which he emphasised that “quality is the EPO’s top priority, in fact it is at the core of the entire European patent system.” He also highlighted the value of structured dialogue, which is central to the EPO’s approach to turning exchanges with stakeholders into concrete actions.
Delivering results and advancing the Quality Action Plan
The EPO presented the main quality actions and results for 2025, showing the progress achieved over the past year. Improvements were accomplished in access to prior art, examiner training and the harmonisation of examination practice. Insights from the systematic analysis of quality audits and Boards of Appeal decisions were also discussed. Members appreciated the update on the strong quality results and acknowledged the progress made, with one stating: “I work with a lot of patent offices around the world, and the EPO really is the best in class”.
The EPO then reported on the implementation to date of the Quality Action Plan 2026. Participants welcomed initiatives to consolidate best practices in the Active Search Divisions (ASD), further strengthen harmonisation in examination, and identify new learning opportunities for opposition divisions. The continued commitment to listening and responding to user feedback was also positively received. The EPO also provided an update on the forthcoming user satisfaction survey (USS) 2026/2027.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support quality
Members were informed of how AI-supported tools are being developed and integrated into the patent granting process at the EPO, in line with the EPO's AI Policy, to enhance both quality and efficiency. Key areas of application include pre‑search, preparing the minutes of oral proceedings, and swiftly providing focussed answers to stakeholder queries via the Legal Interactive Platform.
The focus then turned to the EPO’s in-house development of the new AI‑supported drafting assistant to help examiners prepare actions. The tool is aligned with the Quality Action Plan and driven by user feedback, including SQAPs findings. Welcoming the progress, members expressed interest in receiving regular updates on further developments. While there was consensus that AI is already delivering benefits and holds considerable potential, members underlined the risks that need to be mitigated. They acknowledged the EPO’s human-centric approach to AI, which ensures that responsibility for all decisions remains fully with the examining divisions.
Members outlined how they integrate AI into their own work to support quality. User representatives shared practical examples and emphasised that confidentiality is the highest priority when deploying AI tools.
Update on the validation system
The meeting concluded with an update on the validation system, highlighting it as an optional, user‑driven route to extending patent protection beyond EPC member states. Recent agreements and ongoing discussions with potential partner states underscore the validation system's continued growth and relevance for applicants seeking robust protection in additional markets.
More about the SACEPO Working Party on Quality (WP/Q)
Meeting twice a year, SACEPO WP/Q brings together global users of the European patent system. Appointed by the EPO President for three-year terms, members share insights on new initiatives and help uphold high quality in the patent granting process.
Beyond SACEPO meetings, the EPO gathers user feedback through various channels, including independent user satisfaction surveys, online public consultations, the Ombuds Office and regular meetings with applicants of all sizes and with user associations. This continuous input enables the EPO to refine its products and services through initiatives that address evolving applicant needs. These efforts are documented annually in the Quality Action Plan and Quality Report.
