A new comprehensive learning resource from the European Patent Academy
Today sees the publication of the "Learning path for patent examiners from National Offices", a unique training resource brought to you by the European Patent Academy. It comprises a newly created series of 48 booklets for self-learners and participants in the Academy's training activities.
Drafted by a team of experienced patent examiners at the EPO, the "Learning path for patent examiners from National Offices" has three levels. It answers the questions of beginners at entry level, of examiners with a certain amount of working experience at intermediate level and guides advanced-level patent examiners towards answering more specific questions with a higher degree of complexity.
The series covers the general topics of novelty, inventive step, clarity, unity of invention, sufficiency of disclosure, amendments and search. It also looks into the details of patenting issues specific to certain technical fields, such as biotechnology, chemical inventions or computer-implemented inventions.
Explanations and examples are based on the European Patent Convention, the Guidelines for Examination in the EPO and selected decisions of the EPO's boards of appeal. References are made to the Patent Cooperation Treaty and its Regulations whenever appropriate.
This publication is for training and information purposes only. Although it has been prepared with great care, we cannot guarantee that the information it contains is accurate and up to date; nor is it meant to be understood as a comprehensive form of study or a source of legal advice.
Further information:
Related items
New bilateral Patent Prosecution Highway pilot programme between the EPO and the China National Intellectual Property Administration
Submit comments until 3 April on the EPC and PCT‑EPO Guidelines, which now include content from the former Guides, and on the UP Guidelines
Members discuss the Paperless PGP, third basket of legal changes, DOCX filing, G1/24 case law, fees and Convergence of Practice
Following success with over 150 cases in 2025, AI will also support hearings before Receiving Section and Legal Division
From December 2025, the public can use a new streamlined form to submit third-party observations online.
User representatives contribute nearly 400 comments on draft EPC, PCT-EPO and UP Guidelines
User representatives discuss digital transformation, legal changes, AI pilot and convergence of practice
Continuation of proceedings to ensure efficient functioning of the patent system
Focus on EPO paperless patent granting process by 2027 and ways to accelerate examination proceedings
EPO concludes Memorandum of Understanding with Ministry and launches Patent Prosecution Highway pilot
Patent Prosecution Highway with New Zealand and Brazil from 1 December 2024
Continuation of proceedings to ensure proper functioning of the patent system
The PPH pilot programme between the EPO and Chile entered into force on 1 June 2024
Thirty participants from eleven countries successfully complete the two-year patent examiner training programme
2 148 candidates of 58 nationalities participated in this year’s European qualifying examination (EQE).
Inaugural examination draws over 500 candidates from 33 countries
European Qualifying Examination (EQE) 2022 completed
Public consultation on the latest EPC and PCT-EPO Guidelines continues to 15 April.
The consultation received a high interest in terms of user participation, with over 620 responses both from individuals and user groups.