Examen
Information
Leider ist diese Seite derzeit nicht in deutscher Sprache verfügbar.
Thorough examinations that result in high quality patents
Get it right first time
Applications of higher quality, or those which were amended to reflect the findings of an EPO search report and written opinion, can be processed with fewer interactions.
Figure: Number of communications required prior to grant 2014-2025
Delivering thorough examinations on time
Timeliness is important to our users - the mean duration of the examination procedure for applications granted in 2024 was 24.9 months.
Timeliness was improved without compromising on quality by deploying a prioritisation scheme and developing new examiner tools.
Figure: Examination timeliness
Independent quality audits
In 2024, the number of files for which we had no audit findings increased from 77.9% to 80.6%, which continues the positive trend of recent years.
Audit results show that although there is still work to be done to achieve excellence, there was a positive development in overall quality in 2024 over 2023, with a reduction in major findings with potential impact on the validity of a future granted patent.
Figure: Grant: quality audit findings
User satisfaction survey
The user satisfaction survey gives a reliable view of how our users rate our products and services. Overall satisfaction level in 2024/2025 survey (very good and good ratings combined) stood at 79%. Among other results, "Coverage of independent claims" yielded overall satisfaction levels of 83%. Satisfaction with the timeliness of the examination procedure stood at 61%, showing the EPO needs to continue working to improve in this area.
Arrows indicate statistically significant changes.
Source: BERENT, EPO