Strong results for the Candidate Support Programme

The Candidate Support Programme tripled its intake in 2025, with 82% of applications from women and participation from 30 member states, contributing to a more inclusive patent profession.

The Candidate Support Programme (CSP) aims to build a patent profession that is more inclusive, skilled and balanced in terms of geography and gender. It provides selected candidates with financial, coaching and training support to prepare for the European Qualifying Examination (EQE), with support for the European Patent Administration Certification (EPAC) to be introduced from 2026. This year’s selection results already highlight the growing impact of the recently revamped programme.

With 30 member states participating in the CSP this year, including nine newcomers (Austria, Switzerland, Spain, Finland, France, Denmark, Italy, Ireland and the Netherlands), the programme has expanded its reach across Europe. Participating member states nominated 32 candidates, 26 of whom are women, helping to triple the average intake of previous years. At the same time, 82% of total applications came from women, showing how the programme is unlocking opportunities and empowering talents across Europe.

Strengthening quality at source and promoting diversity, in line with SP2028

In 31 member states, women currently account for fewer than half of European patent attorneys, and in 22 member states fewer than half of practitioners are EQE-qualified. In line with the EPO’s Strategic Plan 2028 (SP2028), the CSP combines greater geographical reach, digital accessibility and targeted support to strengthen quality at source in the European patent system. Meanwhile, the steady increase in the number and diversity of highly skilled EQE-qualified practitioners is helping to advance a patent profession that supports sustainable innovation.

Guiding candidates through their EQE journey

All selected candidates will now receive support over three years, aligned with the EQE’s progressive and modular structure, to help guide them step by step towards becoming fully qualified European patent attorneys. Delivered entirely online, both the CSP and the EQE make the qualification process more accessible, inclusive and sustainable, while supporting candidates’ well-being and work-life balance.

Creating a sustainable self-supporting professional community

A cornerstone of the revamped CSP is the “giving back” principle, whereby participants commit to mentoring future candidates after completing the programme. This creates a sustainable self-supporting professional community across Europe.

Next step: supporting EPAC

From 2026, in addition to EQE candidates, the CSP will also support the EPAC. Each year, participating NPOs will be able to nominate one EPAC candidate to receive one year of dedicated support for preparing the exam. By extending the programme to the patent administrator profession, the CSP will further broaden its scope and raise the level of professional certification across Europe, ensuring more skilled talent is recognised and ready to support innovation.

Background

Launched in 2012, the CSP initially served member states with a relatively small number of EQE-qualified patent professionals. Since then, around 130 supported candidates have passed the EQE, reinforcing the quality and diversity of the profession across Europe. In the 2025 revamp, the following major enhancements were introduced: a new gender pillar for EQE candidates, broadening access to all 39 member states, and coverage of EQE exam fees, further reducing financial barriers for candidates.

To support transparency and accessibility, the CSP hub on epo.org serves as the central source of information on the programme’s objectives, selection process and timelines. National patent offices promote the CSP by nominating candidates, ensuring that the programme is firmly embedded across Europe.