You will not automatically receive the invigilator password. In very exceptional circumstances only, you may ask via Zendesk for the invigilator password. The password will be given only after you gave valid reasons indicating why you need it. You can only use it for that specific purpose. The invigilator password is granted exclusively to you and it is forbidden to use it in any other way or share it with others. You may use the password only once. Any further use must be requested again and agreed by the invigilator. Please note that any use of the invigilator password is recorded in your file history. Please also refer to point 34 of the instructions to candidates.
From within the LockDown browser, you can contact an invigilator via Zendesk. This is the easiest and quickest way to reach an invigilator. Please note that your request will be acknowledged within 15 minutes after having received your request. However, the answer time depends on the complexity of the issue.
If you are not in the LockDown browser, you can log-in via “epo.zendesk.com” from a standard internet browser.
Only in emergency cases and if Zendesk is not available, please call +49 89 2399 5155. Telephone lines are very limited and we strongly recommend to use Zendesk as way of communication.
Communication via email will not be dealt with.
Yes, it is the only way to communicate between you and the invigilator. Thus it is obligatory to enter the Zendesk chat at the beginning of each flow.
You must access Zendesk in the LockDown browser via “external resources”.
If you have not yet activated your Zendesk account make sure to contact helpdesk@eqe.org immediately. Please also refer to the User Guide points 4.4 and 6.4.1.
Corporate computers and networks often have a strict security policy. In this respect, some candidates have experienced issues with the LockDown Browser (e.g. interruption of flow, limited Zendesk functionality), with the use of camera and microphone or with the reliability of the network connection used by the LockDown Browser and IP address issues.
To mention some elements to be checked (list non-exhaustive): software rights management; screen or power savers; automatic system or software updates; hardware rights management for camera or microphone; virus scanners; change of IP addresses in corporate networks; firewalls security configurations.
If you experience issues during the mock examinations, which cannot be solved, it is strongly advised to either contact your IT department to solve the issues within your corporate IT Policy or most advisable is to use another (private) computer or network.
Yes, you are allowed to sit the EQE, irrespective if the picture was taken (correctly) and if you hold up your ID in the flow “Reference photo with ID/passport”. This flow will not be re-opened. As a consequence, during the EQE, at the beginning of each flow, you must take an entry image holding up your ID/passport next to your face. Please refer to point 4.1 of the "Tips for candidates".
You are not allowed to use shortcuts (Alt+Tab, Ctrl+P or the like), key combinations and touchpad gestures in the LockDown Browser, except the ones mentioned below. Using shortcuts is seen as an unauthorised action and will result in the LockDown browser to stop your examination.
The following Windows shortcuts are allowed: Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V, Ctrl+Shift+V, Ctrl+F (and the corresponding Mac shortcuts).
Yes, the screensaver (and any automatic lock after a period of inactivity) should be disabled. If this is not possible, the period should be set to as long as possible. You will have to take this period into account, avoiding that the screensaver or screen lock becomes active, because they can create instability and force the FLOWlock program to close.
Similarly, power-saving functions should be disabled, such as those which cause the computer to automatically power off, sleep or hibernate.
In the LockDown Browser, you will have access to the EPO legal texts as "external resources" (see user guide point 6.4)
You will be able to navigate the EPO legal texts webpage. No other legal texts will be made available online.
When consulting the legal texts, do not download the large pdf documents. Please navigate to the html version and the smaller pdfs only.
If you wish to indicate changes you should proceed as follows:
Deletions should be indicated with square brackets “[ ]”.
Added text should be shown by underlining the respective text.
No, but you will be able to print your answer to the first part of paper C during the break between the two parts. To do this, you will have to go to the "information on flows" page (see point 6.5 in the user guide) and download your answer before printing it.
In this respect, please consult the Notice of the Examination Board.
The EQE 2021's paper C will be split into two parts.
In the first part of the paper, you will be provided with a letter from a client, prior-art documents, a description of the patent to be opposed and a number of its claims. Within the allotted time, you will be required to draft as much of a notice of opposition as it is possible based on the documents at hand. This first part of the notice of opposition must be handed in at the end of the first part of the exam.
In the second part, you will be provided with one or more additional claims of the same patent. You may also receive further information such as another letter from the client, further prior art and/or supplementary parts of the patent's description. You will be required to draft a second part of the notice of opposition, which will form, together with the first part you already provided, the complete notice of opposition which will be marked. This second part of the notice of opposition must be handed in at the end of the second part of the exam.
If an attack which is available in the first part of the paper is discussed only during the second part of the exam, no marks will be awarded to that attack.
For the e-EQE, the examination platform WISEFlow (europe.wiseflow.net) with a LockDown browser will be used.
Yes, there will be proctoring based on image and audio recording, monitoring candidates using artificial intelligence, complemented by human invigilation.
Yes, it is planned to offer two mock examinations, the first one from 22 December 2020 until 28 February 2021. You have been informed by email that the examination platform is available. The first mock examination (Mock 1) is intended for candidates to test their equipment and get acquainted with the examination environment. It will be open for a longer period, so that all candidates can use it without time pressure. There will be no proctoring during this first mock examination. It is planned to have a second mock examination (Mock 2) under simulated examination conditions from 1 to 5 February 2021. More information will follow regarding the second mock examination.
Any of the following browsers can be used: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Edge, Opera. However, Firefox or Chrome are recommended for better interface experience and faster response.
Candidates should make sure that their email client and server are properly configured to receive messages from noreply@wiseflow.net.
Besides the prerequisites of a standard computer system the following hardware is required: webcam, microphone and speakers.
In particular, the system requirements for the LockDown browser are:
i) Operating Systems: Windows: 10, 8, 7; Mac: OS/X 11.0.1 (Big Sur), 10.10 (Yosemite) or a more recent version;
ii) Memory: 75 MB permanent space on the hard drive for Windows; 120 MB permanent space on the hard drive for Mac;
iii) A stable broadband internet connection.
The LockDown browser is a client application that is installed locally on the computer. To install and launch the LockDown browser, candidates will need system administrator rights on the computer.
The screen should not be too small. In the mock exams, candidates should test which screen size best suits them. However, only one screen is allowed by the LockDown browser. Candidates using an external monitor attached to a laptop should make sure, that the built-in laptop screen is switched off, or is disabled. In the case of a built-in laptop camera, they should also pay attention to the correct camera configuration, as the active camera should also be placed close to the external monitor. More information on the technical configuration will follow later as well as dedicated FAQ on the camera.
You can sit the online EQE at any suitable location, e.g. your home or workplace. However, no other person is allowed to be in the room with you. Further information will be made available in due course.
No, there will not be any examination centres.
All candidates will receive the examination papers in the three official languages of the EPO.
For opening the papers in the preferred language, please refer on our website to the Wiseflow Tutorial chapter "Access assignment" and Tips for candidates.
Yes, you will need a stable internet connection for the duration of each paper. Further information will be made available in due course.
Yes, the examination papers will be available in PDF in a viewer.
Candidates will be allowed to print parts of the pre-examination and main examination papers before the start of the respective paper. When it comes to deciding which parts can be printed, consideration will be given to ensuring the confidentiality of the questions while enabling candidates to work comfortably and ergonomically.
The printable documents will be made available approximately 20 minutes before the start of the flow.The text editor is a simple tool for text entry with basic formatting functions (underlining, bold, italic, bullets and numbering).
Copy/paste will be possible in the editor, so you will be able to copy and paste parts of the text which you have written yourself in the text editor. Copy/paste will also be possible from any text part of the examination paper.
No, you will have to type your answers using the editor provided in the LockDown browser. It will not be possible to scan and upload your answers.
Yes, you will be allowed to make notes on paper, but they cannot form part of your answer.
No, you have to type your answer using the editor provided in the LockDown browser.
The time allowed for each paper has been decided. Please see the Information on the schedule for the EQE 2021 examination papers.
More information will be published on this website in due course.
Candidates’ academic qualifications and professional activities are checked at the start of training and, where appropriate, recognised.
The Examination Secretariat will send all EQE-relevant information to registered candidates by email. In addition, they may benefit from training opportunities offered by epi and other providers.
Candidates who must register:
Candidates who do not need to register:
Yes. All candidates have to register (see “Who needs to register?”).
Patent examiners at the EPO must submit a certificate available on the EPO intranet.
EPO examiners cannot be epi student members.
Shortly after starting their training, candidates must register.
Only candidates duly registered will be able to enrol for the pre-examination.
Candidates who wish to enrol to the pre-examination 2021 must register by 15 January 2020.
A request for registration will not be deemed to have been filed until all relevant supporting documents have been received.
Candidates need to submit the following documents:
Candidates must register via myEQE on the EQE web site.
Yes, absolutely. Registration does not replace enrolment for the pre-examination. Candidates have to enrol separately both for the pre-examination and for the main examination.
The specific deadlines for enrolment are published on the EQE website and in the Announcement of the EQE.
Candidates will automatically be sent a confirmation of receipt.
Only complete registration requests are deemed to be filed and can be processed. The Examination Secretariat will contact candidates by email if documents are not complete.
On average, requests will take 4 weeks to process. During the enrolment phase for the pre-examination, registration may take longer.
A list of activities should be uploaded together with your enrolment documents. Please use our example.
The Secretariat may take activities in proceedings relating to national patent applications and national patents into account. However, the majority of a candidate's activities must pertain to European patents or patent applications.
Yes, amended Rule 28 entered into force on 13 February 2017. Candidates may request any previous period of professional activity as defined in Article 11(2) REE to be taken into account without limitation. Registration is free of charge until further decision of the Supervisory Board.
For candidates successfully enrolled for the European qualifying examination, registration is not necessary since their periods of professional activity are already known.
What kind of training is required?
The key criteria for the required training period are that the candidate trains in one of the contracting states to the European Patent Convention under the supervision of one or more persons entered on the list of professional representatives before the EPO (Article 134(1) EPC), as an assistant to that person or those persons, and that in the said period they take part in a wide range of activities pertaining to European patent applications or European patents (see Article 11(2)(a) REE). Whilst most candidates enter into a standard employment contract with the supervising professional representative or the company they work for, an employment contract is not required by the REE.
How does furlough affect a candidate's training situation?
Furlough can affect a candidate's training situation. If furlough interrupts the training period, this must be reported to the Examination Secretariat. If training and the required activities pertaining to it (see above) continue despite furlough, there is no need for any further action.
Who must report a change in the training situation?
The supervising professional representative and the candidate both have an obligation to report any change in the training situation as set out in Article 11(2)(a) REE. They have both agreed to this obligation by signing the training certificate. However, if the change has been reported by one of the two parties, there is no need for any further action by the other party. In case of doubt, both parties should report a change.
What are the possible consequences of an interruption of the training period?
If, due to an interruption of the training period (possibly as a result of furlough), the required overall training period is not completed, the condition for enrolment is not fulfilled and the candidate may not enrol for the examination.
Address changes can be made by candidates themselves via myEQE.
For changes of the email address, please inform the Examination Secretariat in writing preferably by email to helpdesk@eqe.org indicating the EQEReg number.
In case of change of name or nationality a certified copy of the supporting document (e.g. marriage certificate or passport) is necessary.
In accordance with Rule 1(3) IPREE it is possible to have supporting evidence certified by a professional representative (Art. 134 EPC). This is usually the quickest and easiest way to have documents certified. The certification should be written on a copy of the document and must include:
Fees relating to the EQE may only be paid by credit card or bank transfer. It is not possible to pay the fees by debiting an EPO deposit account.
Candidates are strongly recommended to use a credit card as their method of payment as this will ensure swift payment. Payments by bank transfer are considered to have been made on the date on which the amount of the transfer is actually entered in the bank account held by the EPO (see Article 7 of the Rules relating to Fees).
Candidates are reminded that a bank transfer may take time and it is therefore not recommended as a payment method shortly before the relevant deadline. Late receipt of payment will lead to the application being rejected.
No, the Examination Secretariat only issues a confirmation of payment. This can only be issued to the candidate and not to any third parties.
Any examination fees paid will be refunded if you inform the Examination Secretariat of your withdrawal until the deadline for refunds as stipulated in the Announcement of the EQE. Fees for registration and enrolment, however, are non-refundable.
No, a reimbursement after this date is not possible under any circumstance.
No, you do not have to be a citizen of one of the contracting states to register for the EQE. However, in order to be included in the list of professional representatives, you must meet the conditions of Article 134 EPC.
You can download past papers as PDF documents from the website:
There is no limitation in time for valid results. It is not necessary to enrol every year to maintain the validity of these results.
The modular system ceased to exist when the new Regulation on the European qualifying examination came into force in 2009. Candidates are free to choose the paper(s) they wish to sit.
