In memory of Paul Braendli
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Paul Braendli (1930 – 2026), who served as the second President of the EPO from 1985 to 1995. Today, the EPO will fly the European Patent Organisation flag at half-mast in Munich, The Hague and Vienna.
Mr Braendli left a lasting impression on the institution's history. As a seasoned patent attorney and former head of the Swiss Patent Office, he brought a unique combination of expertise, pragmatism and vision to the EPO during a period of growth and transformation.
His tenure was marked by a drive to modernise the EPO’s operations and extend its influence. A notable achievement was the integration of Vienna’s International Patent Documentation Centre (INPADOC) into the EPO, which strengthened the Office's capacity to serve users with reliable patent information. This service was enhanced a few years later with the release of the first CD-ROMs containing patent documents. Further, his establishment of the Brussels bureau fostered stronger ties with the European Union, underscoring the importance of collaboration in a swiftly evolving patent landscape.
Mr Braendli's presidency was characterised by a focus on quality, a firm belief in providing learning opportunities and adopting technological innovation. He oversaw the introduction of the EPOQUE search system in 1988 and ensured examiner training on this vital tool, both of which were essential to enhancing the quality of search reports. His forward-thinking approach was further reflected in the launch of the BEST pilot project (Bringing Examination and Search Together), a transformative initiative in process optimisation that significantly increased efficiency and enabled the EPO to respond more effectively to the rapidly evolving needs of users. At the diplomatic conference for the revision of the European Patent Convention (EPC) in 2000, his visionary thinking culminated in BEST being enshrined in the EPC.
Mr Braendli’s legacy is one of dedication to excellence, innovation and collaboration. All of us at the EPO extend our heartfelt condolences to Mr Braendli’s family and friends.