News

The management and staff of the EPO wishes to express their deepest sympathy for the people of Spain

At an international conference today on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Patent Office of the Republic of Latvia, delegates paid tribute to the country's achievements in building up a solid intellectual property (IP) system, and discussed the importance of IP in supporting future innovation and economic growth.

The EPO today published new guidance for users on how to conduct a hearing via video conference (ViCo).

Today the Enlarged Board of Appeal, the highest level of judicial authority at the European Patent Office (EPO), issued its opinion G 3/19 on questions related to the patentability of plants and animals.

The Enlarged Board of Appeal of the European Patent Office issued opinion G 3/19 (Pepper) today and concluded that plants and animals exclusively obtained by essentially biological processes are not patentable.

In celebration of Europe Day on 9 May, the Patent Orchestra and EPOlyphony choir have recorded a virtual performance of Ode to Joy, the designated anthem of the occasion.

Last week representatives of the EPO's member states, and two future member states discussed their co-operation and how to best serve Europe's innovators during the current crisis at their 14th annual meeting on co-operation.

The coronavirus outbreak has changed our daily lives almost beyond recognition. The staff of the European Patent Office (EPO) and United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) stand in solidarity with everyone affected.

The EPO joins IP offices in celebrating World IP Day. The 2020 edition is set against a period of great uncertainty and seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Climate change remains a growing concern, leaving humankind facing two of its greatest challenges at the same time.

The EPO is pleased to announce a new call for proposals for funding under its Academic Research Programme.

The EPO's Standing Advisory Committee (SACEPO) earlier this week held its user consultation meeting for the first time by video conference (ViCo).

Italy will today mourn the lives lost to Covid-19. Throughout the country, flags will be flown at half-mast and the nation will observe a minute of silence.

The EPO strongly welcomes the announcement of the German government to continue its support for the introduction of the Unitary Patent system in Europe.

Sustainability is a long-standing priority at the EPO, both from a governance perspective and at each site. The Office is committed to making a greater contribution to the long-term environmental goals of the Paris Agreement 2015 and aims to deliver all activities with the least environmental impact possible.

Information for external partners and potential visitors to the EPO

According to the EPO Patent Index 2019, the surge in the fields of digital communication (+19.6%) and computer technology (+10.2%) is fuelling the sustained growth in patent filings

To mark International Women's Day, the EPO looks back at women whose ground-breaking inventions push the boundaries of innovation.

The EPO today launched a public consultation on its Guidelines and invites interested parties to provide input

A delegation headed by the EPO President attended an international conference on challenges in intellectual property held in Zagreb last week under Croatia's EU Council presidency.

The management and staff of the European Patent Office express their deepest solidarity with the people of Germany.