Patent information strategy outlined at annual conference

Désolé. Actuellement, cette page n'existe pas en français.

9 November 2016

President Benoît Battistelli has outlined the four cornerstones of the Office's patent information policy in his opening speech at the EPO Patent Information Conference, currently underway in Madrid.

"We aim to be the leading provider of patent information. That means being committed absolutely to high quality patent information by ensuring it is complete, useable, timely and correct," Mr Battistelli told the conference in his opening speech.

Those attending heard how the EPO is increasingly focusing on usability to enable everyone to search data efficiently and easily, while ensuring the reliability and correctness of the data. This year's conference covers the latest development in patent information at the EPO, such as a new version of Espacenet, the EPO's popular free online patent search tool, which now includes features like full-text searching and will be given a new, easy-to-use interface that works on all devices.

The EPO is the world's leading provider of patent information and continually adds new tools and services to its range of products, some in co-operation with member states or international partners, such as the grouping of the world's five largest IP offices (IP5), the World Intellectual Property Organization or the EU Intellectual Property Office. Through its commitment to being a leading patent information provider, the Office now has some 100 million documents in its bibliographic collection from around 90 patent issuing authorities.

The EPO Patent Information Conference, the biggest conference on patent information in Europe, takes place for the 26^th time this week. More than 400 participants from over 45 different countries are attending. The conference is also an opportunity for the EPO to gather feedback and discuss current opportunities and challenges with patent information experts.

Bilateral co-operation plan signed with Spain

The EPO President used the occasion of the Madrid conference to meet with representatives of Spanish government, industry, media and the IP profession. After meeting with José María Jover, Under-Secretary of Industry, Energy and Tourism and President of the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office, a new bilateral co-operation plan in the field of patents was signed with Ms Patricia García-Escudero, Director General of the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office. Covering the period 2016-2018, the new bilateral cooperation plan also includes projects in the field of Patent Information and Awareness and Patent related IT services and tools. Spain has been a member of the European Patent Organisation since 1 October 1986. Last year the EPO received more than 1 500 patent applications from Spain, an increase of 3.8% over the previous year.

Further information

• Patent Information Conference 2016
• Bilateral co-operation with EPO member states