Search and Examination Matters 2026
On 2-5 February 2026, the European Patent Office (EPO) and the Institute of Professional Representatives before the European Patent Office (epi) hosted Search and Examination Matters, a flagship conference for patent professionals.
The virtual event attracted almost 1 600 participants from around the world. The four-day programme consisted of presentations, workshops and panel discussions, with experts from the EPO and epi leading discussions on key topics relating to the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the world of intellectual property (IP). The event provided a transparent overview of how AI is used by the EPO during search and examination and provided patent professionals with greater clarity on the responsible application of AI during the patent application process.
“At the EPO, we are looking at AI with a human-centric approach,” said Steve Rowan, EPO Vice-President Patent Granting Process, in his opening address. “As early adopters, the epi and the EPO are advancing the use of AI in patent granting. Both organisations are collaborating closely to leverage AI in supporting well-drafted applications, ensuring prior-art searches cover an ever-expanding amount of prior art and making the examination process as efficient as possible, resulting in high-quality patents.”
AI’s impact: from invention to examination
During the course of 16 sessions, highlights included discussions on what AI will bring to different technology fields and to the patent granting process itself, and how the patent system will remain robust while embracing these changes. Other important topics included the approach of the Boards of Appeal to topics such as patentability and plausibility, as well as the practical implications of AI for the future.
EPO and epi join forces to tailor event to stakeholders’ needs
Leveraging AI to deliver high-quality patents and efficient services forms an important part of the EPO's Strategic Plan 2028, as does strengthening the EPO’s partnerships with organisations such as epi. 2026 marks the second year of Search Matters and Examination Matters, formerly separate conferences, being combined into a single event, with the EPO and epi continuing to co-operate on the creation of a comprehensive programme that meets the needs of stakeholders.
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