The following proposals have been presented for consultation:
Guidelines for Examination in the European Patent Office and the Guidelines for Search and Examination at the European Patent Office as PCT Authority
3.2.2022 - 15.4.2022
The EPO launched an online public consultation on the creation of an Observatory.
SP2023 outlined the vision for such a structure: an Observatory to contribute to a deeper understanding of important issues related to innovation and the patent system. The platform aims to address the diverse needs of various user groups and actively bring together public and private stakeholders to discuss the latest developments in the patent system based on analyses of patent trends.
The new platform will provide new opportunities to address specific stakeholder needs: Policymakers and business leaders, for example, will benefit from enhanced patent data mapping and visualisation to support decision-making. Similarly, this accessible user-friendly format will appeal to groups who are new to the patent system or unfamiliar with its technicalities. As a central network, the Observatory will also enhance communication and outreach, facilitating a wider understanding of IP based on analyses of the latest trends.
The Observatory is based on several guiding principles. These include an evidenced-based approach, transparency, diversity, inclusiveness, collaboration and subsidiarity. During the initial phase, the EPO proposes to organise the Observatory's activities in three streams: technology intelligence, legal and innovation policies, and diversity and transformation. The Observatory will adopt a lean and agile approach, using learning experiences to grow. People will remain the driving force in its establishment and the EPO aims to use the expertise of patent system stakeholders, including internal talent, and national experts.
As a central, open and collaborative patent knowledge sharing network, the Observatory will enable the EPO and its partners to better respond to challenges, anticipate change and take measures leading to economic, social and environmental progress.
9.2.2022 – 4.3.2022
With the joint aims of responding to the needs of its users and ensuring that relationships between the Office and its partners around the world prosper through trust, fairness, mutual respect, adaptability, collaboration and a commitment to excellence, the Office is planning to launch a new informal, confidential, and neutral Ombuds service in mid-2022.
13.1.2022 – 4.2.2022
User survey on the pilot project for oral proceedings by videoconference before EPO opposition divisions
1.9.2021 - 30.9.2021
Guidelines for Examination in the European Patent Office and the Guidelines for Search and Examination at the European Patent Office as PCT Authority
1.3.2021 - 12.4.2021
Insertion of new Article 15a (oral proceedings by videoconference)
The Rules of Procedure of the Boards of Appeal were last revised in 2019 and the revised version (RPBA 2020) came into force on 1 January 2020. It is now proposed that the RPBA 2020 are amended by the insertion of new Article 15a clarifying that the Boards of Appeal may hold oral proceedings pursuant to Article 116 EPC by videoconference.
13.11.2020 - 27.11.2020
Guidelines for Examination in the European Patent Office and the Guidelines for Search and Examination at the European Patent Office as PCT Authority
2.3.2020 - 15.4.2020
All the contributions were discussed with user representatives at three meetings of the SACEPO Working Party on Guidelines (SACEPO WPG):
Public consultation on the EPO's Strategic Plan 2023
23.1.2019 - 15.3.2019 and 18.4.2019 - 10.5.2019
User consultation on increased flexibility in the timing of the examination process – introduction of a postponed examination system
19.11.2018 - 11.1.2019
Revision of the Rules of Procedure of the Boards of Appeal
5.2.2018 - 30.4.2018
Sequence listings - proposed ST.26 standard
12.12.2016 - 15.1.2017
Unitary Patent DEMO plug-in for Online Filing version 5.09
18.5.2016 – 31.7.2016
Boards of appeal
30.4.2015 - 30.6.2015
Case Law book
1.10.2013 - 3.4.2014
Divisional applications (Rule 36 EPC)
4.3.2013 - 5.4.2013
Online Official Journal
4.2.2013 - 22.3.2013
Revision of rule 164 EPC
15.1.2013 - 25.2.2013
Substantive Patent Law Harmonization
10.1.2013 - 1.3.2013
Amendment of Rule 53(3) EPC
15.12.2011 - 20.1.2012
Sequence listings - proposed ST.26 standard
24.5.2012 - 17.8.2012
Download summary of responses (PDF, 19 KB)
PCT matters
8.10.2012 - 23.11.2012
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