2021

Ruling by Legal Board of Appeal confirms that the EPC requires inventors to be human

The EPO is launching a survey of EPO applicants and a consultation of user and stakeholder associations to assess the impact of the strict novelty requirement for patentability under the EPC.

This EPO conference will be open to the public for the first time, providing unique insights into sustainable technologies as well as healthcare innovation ecosystems.

The heads of office convened to discuss recent developments and plan future co-operation.

The annual season’s greetings message for external stakeholders tells a story about how Espacenet saves Christmas, reminding us that it’s not just what you know, but where to find it, and how to share the information.

The EPO is closely monitoring its systems after a critical vulnerability in the commonly used Java software “Log4j” emerged at the end of last week.

Proposal to move the Boards to EPO premises in central Munich

The Trilateral Offices held their 39th annual meeting virtually today.

The online meeting provided the occasion for the launch of the first EPO-KIPO joint study, on computer- implemented inventions.

Austrian Parliament successfully completed the ratification of the PPA

While the Office’s commitment to inclusion is geared toward creating a workplace where everyone feels welcomed and respected, our staff’s commitment to excellence helps foster innovation that can transform the lives of people living with disabilities worldwide.

Once again, users have voted the EPO number one among the world’s five largest patent offices for the quality of its patents and services in the latest benchmarking survey by Intellectual Asset Management (IAM).

Information for customers, external partners and visitors to the EPO

Response to user survey provides clear next steps as pilot project extended

More than 130 participants from six countries attend three-day event on patents.

Further extension of the pilot is necessary in light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, travel restrictions and preventive health measures limiting the parties’ possibilities to attend oral proceedings on EPO premises

Expert panel explores the importance of patents when building a company from scratch, all the way through to successfully selling your enterprise.

EPO’s tenth agreement expands network and aims to boost IP development

Dedicated workshop with three SACEPO Working Parties and experts paves way to harmonisation of EPO practice.

Today, EPO President António Campinos met online with Mr Kiyoshi Mori, the new Commissioner of the Japan Patent Office (JPO).

The agreement aims to strengthen co-operation on supporting innovation through the international patent system, including under the PCT and with regard to classification, data exchange and the dissemination of patent information.

EPO President António Campinos addresses events in Iceland and Finland marking major milestones, as a shared focus on a more sustainable future shapes the new normal.

Misleading footage of EPO buildings screened in report

The EPO welcomed more than 2 100 participants from 91 countries to Patent Knowledge Week, which took place online from 2 to 5 November 2021.

A fresh approach to working online with the EPO.

Joint study by EPO, the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI) and the European Space Agency (ESA) shows the rapid growth in patenting for space-based quantum communication and encryption

Professional representatives may obtain an EPO badge also by video call.

SACEPO Working Party on Guidelines reach consensus on the EPO Guidelines 2022

The workshop on growth financing highlights the key role played by IPR portfolios and strategy in attracting investments and increasing company value.

75 members of the SACEPO Working Party on Quality connect to their seventh meeting over three days

From a global perspective, Europe and the US are leading innovation in plastic recycling and alternative plastics technologies, a new study published today by the European Patent Office (EPO) shows.

The Working Party on Rules has met virtually to discuss legal changes in support of advancing the digitalisation of the patent grant process.

Josef Kratochvìl (CZ) re-appointed for a three-year term

The EPO has recently launched, on 13 October, the pilot for the new Cooperation Search system, which will be used by over 100 examiners in 8 national offices over an initial period of six months. The pilot national offices of member states include the UK, France, Sweden, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Spain, Denmark and Austria.

The first national patent application has been filed using new Front Office e-filing software, thanks to intense collaboration between the EPO and several national patent offices including those in Lithuania, Spain and Greece, as part of the EPO’s IT Co-operation Programme.

Join us for a night to remember, as around 70 leading cultural institutions open their doors for one of the city’s major cultural highlights.

The EPO’s “job shadowing day” is part of an important initiative to help highly qualified students and recent graduates with disabilities and chronic illness access the job market.

Try out the new format, submit your feedback and help shape user experience on new.epo.org

Your feedback on the PCT pilot that enables nationals and residents of the People's Republic of China to select the EPO as their International Search Authority

Agreement sees Morocco become the 31st state to join Cooperative Patent Classification scheme.

The EPO-EUIPO Pan-European Seal programme achieves a record intake, with additional universities joining the programme

71 delegates from 38 countries discuss state-of-the-art cloud computing solutions that will help secure long-term sustainability for the European patent system.

Learn how to nominate an inventor and play a part in Europe’s foremost innovation prize

The Regional ARPET programme is the largest ever training programme undertaken by the EPO with offices outside Europe.

Take part in our public consultation and share your views

As the summer of Pride continues and the city of Amsterdam marks 25 years of Pride celebrations, the Office expresses solidarity with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ+) communities by flying the rainbow flag in The Hague (Patentlaan 2, 2288 EE Rijswijk).

A summary of almost 200 submissions to the public user consultation on the EPC and PCT-EPO Guidelines 2021 is now available.

Grants totalling €600 000 available for research into the new frontiers for innovation and the use of digital technologies for IP teaching

Phishing mails to attorneys in relation to e.g. smart cards purport to be from EPO

The 10th edition of the guide to preparing for the European qualifying examination (EQE) is now available online.

The One Young World Summit, held from 22 - 25 July, saw delegates attend a series of speeches, panels, networking events and workshops.

Today the European Patent Office (EPO) published "Towards a new normal", an orientation document to explore how the Office can capitalise on new opportunities in a potentially post-COVID-19 era.

As part of the EPO’s continuous dialogue with users across all sectors, the latest in a series of high-level meetings with applicants took place on Wednesday 21 July.

New free data visualisation service allows users to explore global technology trends and connections

Joint study by EPO, the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI) and the European Space Agency (ESA) shows the rapid growth in patenting activity, driven by growth of private operators

It is with the deepest sadness that everyone at the EPO is following the news of casualties and widespread destruction caused by severe flooding in parts of western Europe in recent days.

Series of technology transfer case studies and podcasts reveals how patent strategies support commercial success for innovative technologies.

Enlarged Board of Appeal decides that under specific circumstances oral proceedings by VICO before the boards of appeal are compatible with the EPC irrespective of party consent

The German Federal Constitutional Court announced on 9 July 2021 the rejection of two applications for a preliminary injunction against the German Act of Approval to the Agreement on a Unified Patent Court (UPCA).

Latest report summarises the many achievements in the pilot project for opposition oral proceedings by VICO and outlines the next steps.

The EPO raises the flag at its premises in Munich as Europe’s summer pride season takes off.

New Data Protection Rules will enter into force on 1 January 2022

The EPO published its Annual Review 2020 today. The publication, accompanied by a video, highlights a year of rapid transformation to adapt to the multiple challenges of the pandemic.

Platform of over 300 patent search strategies helps scientists access the wealth of information stored in EPO’s databases.

A free app for Android and iOS helps users explore the wealth of patent statistics and trends from the EPO

The heads of the world's five largest intellectual property offices (IP5) met virtually on 23 June for their 14th annual meeting.

Popular videoconference tool to be the sole platform for oral proceedings from 1 October

The Enlarged Board of Appeal of the European Patent Office issued decision G 4/19 (Double patenting) today, in which it held that a European patent application can be refused by reason of the prohibition on double patenting.

EPO reveals Award winners at its first all-digital ceremony, announces the establishment of a new prize for young innovators

Annual meeting held virtually over two days also saw stakeholders discuss EPO’s plans for the future

Today, 9 June 2021, the EPO issued an invitation via email to EPO smart card holders and users of the credit card payment service to take part in a survey on batch payments and future fee payment functionalities.

It also provides features for downloading or visualising the results for statistical analysis.

The EPO has launched its new online magazine Patent Knowledge News, which will feature news, updates and facts relating to patent knowledge from the EPO and beyond.

The SACEPO Working Party on Guidelines held its 21st meeting on 20 May.

CMS will be replaced by Online Filing 2.0

The conference marks the launch of the EPO’s PATLIB 2.0 project, aimed at increasing support to the network of over 300 patent information centres in Europe

In light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the EPO has decided to further extend the pilot project for conducting opposition hearings by VICO until 31 January 2022.

On 11 May 2021, 80 representatives of 40 national offices (in 38 EPO member states and two future member states) and the EUIPO met online for the 15th annual meeting on co-operation.

Users encouraged to become more familiar with the popular VICO platform before the autumn

The EPO today joins the regional representations of the European Parliament and European Commission in Munich in celebrating Europe Day.

Celebrating the individuals behind the inventions that benefit us all.

Yesterday, 27 April, EPO President António Campinos appeared as guest speaker at a virtual meeting of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce's Research and Innovation Committee.

President Campinos submits written observations on a referral to the Enlarged Board of Appeal concerning the consent of parties to oral proceedings by videoconference.

The European Patent Office (EPO) has adopted a new environmental policy that outlines its plan to be carbon neutral by 2030.

The number of patents for inventions related to low-carbon energy technologies around the world grew by an average rate of 3.3% per year in the 2017-19 period, a new joint study published today by the European Patent Office (EPO) and the International Energy Agency (IEA) shows.

The EPO and intellectual property offices around the globe today celebrate World IP Day.

Over the past two weeks, about 140 schoolgirls have met with the EPO as part of Girls' Day in the Netherlands and Germany.

Last week the EPO introduced its art collection to the public by launching the new documentary titled "Exploring Art at the European Patent Office". With two digital events the Office now offers further insight on its art collection, and invites to an exchange with some of the artists portrayed in the documentary.

Over 2 100 participants from more than 900 companies registered for this year's User Day - the first digital edition, which took place on 19 and 20 April.

The public consultation on the first draft of the EPO’s “Towards a new normal” orientation document has closed. We thank everyone for their contributions.

A documentary invites the public to explore the EPO’s art collection which will also be made digitally accessible

President António Campinos addressed Members of the European Parliament’s Committee on Legal Affairs (JURI) on the latest developments in the European patent system on 12 April.

SACEPO Working Parties on Rules, e-Patent Process, and Patent Information and Documentation all met virtually in March.

The President of the European Patent Office (EPO), António Campinos, and the President of the ELLIS Society, Bernhard Schölkopf, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 25 March.

Online Filing 2.0 incorporates and improves the features of new online filing (CMS), and offers a more user-friendly interface.

The new vision statement of the Trilateral offices has been agreed, which originates from the 38th Trilateral Conference in December 2020. During the virtual conference, the heads of the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO) and United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) committed to jointly develop the new future direction for the Trilateral Co-operation.

New Article 15a of the Rules of Procedure of the Boards of Appeal (RPBA) on oral proceedings by videoconference enters into force on 1 April 2021

During the pendency of referral G 1/21 concerning the legality of oral proceedings by VICO, oral proceedings in examination and opposition will continue to be held by VICO as scheduled

Contribute to the EPO’s public consultation on the first draft of its “Towards a new normal” orientation document assessing how the EPO could develop in light of the dramatically altered environment.

Statistics published today by the European Patent Office (EPO) show that innovation in healthcare drove patenting activity in 2020: Medical technology was the leading field for inventions in terms of volume, while pharmaceuticals and biotechnology were the fastest-growing areas.

A new blueprint for IP5 Offices’ joint endeavours in response to the challenges and opportunities arising from new emerging technologies and artificial intelligence.

The European Inventor Award will take place on 17 June 2021 and for the first time in the history of the event, the ceremony will be entirely digital.

On Monday 15 March 2021, the EPO will begin activating a BOT protection system for the European Patent Register.

The Enlarged Board of Appeal of the European Patent Office issued decision G 1/19 (Simulations) today in which it held that the established case law on computer-implemented inventions (COMVIK approach) applies to computer-implemented simulations.

The Office marked Monday's International Women's Day with a panel discussion highlighting women in science.

EPO successfully holds first-ever online edition of the European Qualifying Examination

EPO President António Campinos addressed a celebration gala today (1 March) to mark the 125th anniversary of the Hungarian Intellectual Property Office (HIPO).

On 25 February, the EPO together with Licensing Executive Society International (LESI) held the first edition of a new online forum designed especially for high-growth technology businesses and small and medium-sized technology enterprises, the major drivers of Europe's economic growth.

You can submit your comments in any one of the EPO's three official languages via an online form. The deadline for your contributions is 12 April 2021.

EPO President António Campinos met the President of the National Institute of Industrial Property of Brazil (INPI), Cláudio Vilar Furtado, on 25 February to discuss co-operation on enhancing the patent system and better supporting innovators in Europe and Brazil

EPO Academic Research Programme publishes five final research reports

The first two common practices - in the areas of examination of unity of invention, and designation of the inventor - were endorsed by member states at a meeting of the organisation's Administrative Council in December 2020.

EPO President António Campinos spoke about the importance of supporting innovation at the opening of a high-level online conference on IP held on the occasion of Portugal's EU Council Presidency.

EPO President António Campinos and the Director General of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI), Juan Lozano, met virtually today to take stock of joint efforts to improve patent services and support innovators since the signing of an advanced co-operation agreement between the two offices last year.

The European Patent Office (EPO) and European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Technical University of Munich (TUM) on 4 February 2021 to offer TUM graduates the opportunity to gain valuable professional experience as trainees in both Offices.

A new study released today by the European Patent Office (EPO) and the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) shows that companies which own at least one patent, registered design or trade mark generate on average 20% higher revenues per employee than companies which do not own any of those intellectual property rights (IPRs).

The EPO and the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) have announced that the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) programme between the two offices became permanent on 6 January 2021.

The world's five largest IP offices granted 1.6 million patents in 2019, an increase of 5.9% on the previous year, according to the latest IP5 Statistics Report published earlier this week on the IP5 website.