Users discuss the final version of the EPC and PCT-EPO Guidelines
In their second annual meeting the SACEPO Working Party on Guidelines (SACEPO/WPG) came together on 11 October 2022 to discuss the final version of the EPC and PCT-EPO Guidelines. The Guidelines will enter into force on 1 March 2023, with a preview version available as of February.
The discussions focused on the new Rule 56a EPC and finetuning other updates in areas relating to inventions in the field of biotechnology and antibodies, as well as procedural aspects. The adaptation of the description and claim-like clauses also gave rise to lively exchanges.
The Working Party also agreed on topics to be covered in future updates of the Guidelines. They include sections relating to Rule137(5) EPC, aspects of opposition procedures and further examples of the patentability of inventions involving artificial intelligence (AI).
As for the PCT-EPO Guidelines, the SACEPO WPG agreed on some improvements to Part F to clarify the subject of non-unity. Details of the EPO's practice concerning representation were also added in Part A.
The Guidelines are revised annually. These revisions take into account decisions of the Enlarged Board of Appeal, comments received during the annual user consultation conducted in the spring, as well as feedback from the SACEPO/WPG.
Further information
Users discuss updates for the Guidelines 2023
Related items
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
Users from around the world exchange on quality, AI, legal changes and two years of the Unitary Patent system
Review of impact, latest learnings and ongoing initiatives, alignment on future priorities
SACEPO members meet with the EPO to exchange on cutting-edge tools and share ideas to improve access to patent information
Constructive dialogue draws on valuable feedback from the latest round of public consultation
EPO’s consultation group on e-procedures discussed PGP digitalisation and interactions with users
Feedback on EPC, PCT-EPO and UP Guidelines can still be filed until 7 April
Focus on EPO paperless patent granting process by 2027 and ways to accelerate examination proceedings
Preview versions of the EPC, PCT-EPO and UP Guidelines 2025 are published as of today. Our annual user consultation is now open for your feedback.
Guidelines on EPC, PCT-EPO and Unitary Patent to be the most comprehensive ever
Review of EPO quality initiatives brings priorities for 2025 into focus at SACEPO’s autumn meeting
Outlook on maintaining highest standards in the patent granting process
Experts address common challenges, promote best practices and underline the crucial importance of clarity to the European patent system
SACEPO meeting on the second basket of legal changes, uses of AI in the patent granting process and the convergence of practice programme
18 technical panels with a total of 61 assessors provide diverse perspectives on over 100 files
Members of the SACEPO Working Party on Guidelines provide input on the drafts for 2025
The EPO prepares for the next Stakeholder Quality Assurance Panels in October 2024
Users convene to exchange with EPO on quality, digital transformation, legal changes and the Unitary Patent
Users consulted on new products and services in patent intelligence
The first SACEPO Working Party on Quality meeting of 2024 focused on the EPO's Quality Action Plan initiatives and the vital role of user feedback