Search and Examination Matters 2026

Opening, "The Humancentric EPO policy on AI"

An explanation of the humancentric, EPO AI policy with the high-level direction of travel mapped out. What are the major impact areas that can be expected.

How AI is impacting IP 

Short overview presentations on how AI is impacting the World of IP will be followed by a moderated panel discussion.

How AI is Shaping the Tools for the Future

The presentation drills down on the previous panel discussion providing more details on what changes are expected in patent processing based on current and future tools. Particular emphasis will be placed on the changes examiners and patent attorneys will see in their daily work.

From idea to IP – the use of AI in the life of an invention

Follow the innovation journey from the conception of an invention, through tech transfer and filing a patent; following it through the patent grant process and then looking at options available in the post grant processing. Emphasis will be placed on how AI is already being used in the end-to-end "idea to market" process.

The Legal Interactive Platform

An introduction to and demonstration of the Legal Interactive Platform (LIP). What information is contained in LIP and how can it be accessed.

ANSERA – Latest developments

The latest developments in ANSERA will be covered, demonstrating how this search tool can support examiners in delivering high-quality and timely products. There will be emphasis on how AI is currently used in ANSERA and what is being prepared in the pipeline.

Pre-search and state of the art cited

The automatic pre-search is being continuously improved to provide examiners with the closest prior art at the earliest opportunity. This means that searches can be very focused right from the start to find the best documents in the most efficient manner.

Solid written opinions in a timely manner

The EPO has not only developed robust written opinions but also strives to deliver them in the most timely manner for applicants. The presentation will look at why this is important for attorneys and applicants to support decision-making on whether and how to further process the applications.

AI in Cheminformatics

In Cheminformatics and Computational chemistry, AI is used to accelerate and lower the cost of developing new molecules and materials. AI models are developed to predict the properties of molecules, formulations or materials and screen molecules for target properties. Other applications include predicting chemical reaction outcomes as well as synthesis and process parameters to determine how to synthesise or produce molecules and materials

How can PATLIB centres help you in Search and Examination?

There are over 300 PATLIB centres throughout Europe providing services to inventors and business. The presentation will explain how the network operates and how AI will help it develop the services which will be offered in the future.

AI as integral part of subject- matter

AI in patenting is a recent phenomenon but has exploded onto the scene, raising a wealth of questions. This presentation gives a broad but basic level overview of a). what happens when AI is claimed in a patent application and b). what happens when AI is used to draft patents? Focus is given to how the subject-matter should be searched and examined.

Graphic user interfaces (GUI and inventive step)

This presentation takes a closer look at the inventive step in patent applications related to GUIs, discussing the specific challenges of assessing innovation in interface design, which often involves improvements in user experience rather than technical breakthroughs. Explore how the EPO determines whether a GUI contributes to a technical solution or simply reflects aesthetic choices.

Priority and amendments in emerging technologies 

Priority and amendments in emerging technologies – particularly AI related – are complex and not always well understood. This presentation aims to demystify the subject and bring answers to daily issues faced by the participants.

Examiner/Attorney interplay – understanding each other's position 

This panel discussion by the epi and EPO will look at how the boundary conditions for each of the parties lead to the discussion seen in examination proceedings. It will analyse how AI is currently being used in this area, and where it can be envisaged in the future to bring examination to a constructive and collaborative conclusion.

How BoA decisions are reached and how they should be interpreted

This presentation is a guided introduction to the functioning of the Boards of Appeal with examples of how the Boards reach their decisions and what they focus on when drafting them. Examples will come from decisions specifically in the area of standards and look at how these decisions affect the search and examination procedure.

Sufficiency of Disclosure in AI inventions

Sufficiency of disclosure in AI inventions is a significant issue, as can be seen in decisions T1669/21, T0161/18 and T1191/19. This presentation covers the basic minimum requirements for filing patents on AI inventions.

Judicial decisions around AI and patents

Focusing on keynote decisions, this panel will round off the conference by looking at how AI decisions will impact the stakeholder groups, with regard to search and examination. Building on the previous Appeal presentations it will ensure a thought-provoking finale to end the conference.