Talk innovation: patent professional edition

This episode delves into the principal challenges facing innovation in Europe, as outlined in Mario Draghi’s prominent report “The future of European competitiveness.”  Listen to gain insight into: 

• the role patent data plays in understanding innovation trends 
• which technical fields Europe is lagging behind in compared to its competitors 
• how the EPO’s high-quality patents and other activities contribute to the innovation process 
• the critical factors that may impact Europe changing course.   
  

These important topics were tackled in a conversation between Gilles Requena, Chief Patent Research & Policies Officer at the EPO, and Alexandr Hobza, Chief Economist, Directorate-General for Research & Innovation at the European Commission, with moderation by Joff Wild, Head of Content at Sisvel and former Editor in Chief of IAM magazine.   

Additional links:

• ⁠Mario Draghi’s report: “The future of European competitiveness”⁠ 
• ⁠New innovation strategy for EU is vital – says report⁠ (EPO news item)

When embarking on your EQE journey, there are quite a few items on your to-do list. From figuring out where to register and the code of conduct to how to use the examination tools, navigating these formal requirements with confidence will help put you on the path towards acing the exam. In the first part of this episode, we’ll speak to an expert to make sure you know everything you need to about these requirements. 

In the second half you’ll hear from a recent candidate and gain invaluable insights based on her experience, plus all the useful tips she picked up along the way.

Moderator

Andrew Hards, European Patent Attorney and EQE tutor)

 Speakers

Elena Schuman, Head of Department for EQE and Certifications, European Patent Office

Mozhdeh Seifi, Patent Examiner, European Patent Office

Further resources:

• Professional activity infographic
• European Qualification and Certification portal
• Instructions to candidates
• Code of conduct
• FAQs

Music credits:

• Opening background music: Music by AudioCoffee:  https://freesound.org/people/AudioCoffee/sounds/736804/ 
• Introductory background sound for testimonial: Ambient Crescendo 001B by nlux -- https://freesound.org/s/620790/

Paper F will be sat for the first time during the spring 2025 European Qualifying Examination (EQE). In this episode, you’ll learn strategies and tips to help you understand and prepare for Paper F from a highly experienced patent attorney and candidate trainer. We'll also dive into the topic of declarative knowledge and shed light on the training courses and resources available to help you thrive. 

Moderator:  

Andrew Hards, European Patent Attorney and EQE tutor 

Guest:  

Oana Boncea, European Patent Attorney and member of the epi Professional Education Committee  

 Further resources:  

• https://www.epo.org/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/eqe-candidates

• Compendium (past papers)  

• EQE Guide for Preparation 

Music credits:  

• Opening background music: 
  Music by AudioCoffee:  https://freesound.org/people/AudioCoffee/sounds/736804/ 

• Introductory/closing background sound for testimonial:  Ambient Crescendo 001B by nlux -- https://freesound.org/s/620790/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 

The European Qualifying Examination is adopting an innovative approach based on flexibility, modularity and progressiveness. So, as a candidate, what does that mean for you?

In this episode, an expert breaks down the new structure and discusses how different skills are mapped out across the modules, empowering candidates to build on their knowledge as they progress from papers F to M4 and build on their core competencies. Plus, gain insights into the measures ensuring a seamless transition to this new format.

Moderator:

Andrew Hards, European Patent Attorney and EQE tutor

Speaker:

Alejandro Flores Jiménez, Management Coordinator in Patent Intelligence, European Patent Office

Further information:

• Transitional provisions
• EQE timetable
• EQE study guide
• Learn more about the EQE and download mock paper F

Music credits:

• Opening background music: AudioCoffee,  ⁠https://freesound.org/people/AudioCoffee/sounds/736804/ Introductory/closing background sound for testimonial: Ambient Crescendo 001B by nlux, https://freesound.org/s/620790/; License: Attribution 4.0

Key figures from the intellectual property (IP) community discuss the perceptions of quality and shared effort between the EPO and applicants in driving patent quality.  

This episode explores key questions, including why patent quality is essential for businesses and how users can shape it. The conversation covers collaborative tools, legal robustness and ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing clarity and consistency within the patent process. 

Guests: 

Steve Rowan, EPO, Vice-President Patent Granting Process 

Peter R. Thomsen, Institute of Professional Representatives before the EPO (epi), President 

Moderator:  

Joff Wild, Sisvel, Head of Content, and IAM, former Editor in Chief

More information:

Quality at the EPO

Are you curious about the sweeping changes coming to the European Qualifying Examination (EQE)? In the first episode of our series on the modernised EQE, experts explain the changes made to the exam and how these improvements will transform the way candidates are trained and tested. Join us as we explore the highlights of EQE reform, delve into its goals and benefits and share what future EQE candidates can expect as they embark on their path to becoming qualified patent professionals! 

Moderator: Andrew Hards, European Patent Attorney and EQE tutor 

Guests:

Xavier Seuba, Principal Director Patent Intelligence, European Patent Office  

Tiem Reijns, member of the  EQE  working group and Vice-President of  the Institute of Professional Representatives before the EPO 

Further information: 

All EQE 2025 podcasts (playlist)

Learning resources for EQE and EPAC candidates 

Online "Preparing for EQE Paper F” course 

EQE Guide for Preparation 

Learn more about the EQE

Music credits: 

Opening background music: 
AudioCoffee, https://freesound.org/people/AudioCoffee/sounds/736804/
Introductory/closing background sound for testimonial:  

Ambient Crescendo 001B by nlux, https://freesound.org/s/620790/; License: Attribution 4.0 

EQE 2025: Reformed and ready for the future

The EPO is transforming the way patent practitioners are trained and tested. With a redesigned format and new content, the modernised European Qualifying Examination gives candidates the chance to demonstrate their legal knowledge and skills to prepare them for the real-world challenges they’ll face. 

In this 4-episode podcast series, published from September onwards, you will hear experts discuss the reasons for this reform as well as learn about its benefits for candidates. We’ll go into detail about what this reformed approach looks like and explore how next year’s new Paper F will help candidates with mastering the legal foundations they will rely on during their entire career. 

Subscribe to “Talk innovation: patent professional edition”

Register now for the Paper F preparatory course 

EQE on epo.org

EQE guide for preparation

Reflections on the first year

The new Unitary Patent system has been in operation for a year. Does its uptake rate indicate success or was more expected? When and why does it make sense to register a European patent with unitary effect? What are the benefits, especially for small and medium companies? Hear different perspectives in this candid conversation.

Moderator: Jeremy Philpott, EPO Communications manager

Guest: Marek Bury, European patent attorney, partner at Bury and Bury in Warsaw

Almost 8% of patent filings at the EPO in 2023 were for computer technology, which includes the rapidly growing field of artificial intelligence. But which types of AI are growing especially fast and why? What do experts mean when they say that 2024 is the year of the embodiment of AI? And could the next superantibiotic be designed by AI?  

Moderator: 

Jeremy Philpott, EPO Communications manager 

Guests:  

Wiebke Hinrichs, EPO patent examiner 

André Fonseca dos Santos, EPO patent examiner 

EPO's Patent Index 2023

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Is offshore wind energy the key to solving the climate crisis? A recent joint report reveals insightful findings, highlighting challenges and opportunities in this growing sector. Join study authors from the European Patent Office and International Renewable Energy Agency as they discuss this clean energy source.  

Full report

Guests: 

Francisco Boshell, Head Innovation and End Use Applications, IRENA 

Jaidev Dhavle, Associate Programme Officer, Innovation for the Energy Transition, IRENA 

Johannes Schaaf, EPO patent intelligence expert 

Moderator: 

Geert Boedt, EPO patent data analyst 

When dealing with disability, is gene therapy an ethical solution? Can technology encourage a more equitable world? Does society truly listen to people with a disability?

In this special edition, we’ll meet several authors seeking answers to these complex questions. We’ll hear their creations before learning about the inspiration behind each tale. "Who am I?" by Brian Routledge, "L’ Expo" by Christophe Poizat and "Mosaïque" by Paule Gilis were the winning entries in EPO’s writing competition on the theme disability and innovation. The contest was open to all staff and formed part of our celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the European Patent Convention. Brian’s story also won the 2023 essay competition organised by the Brain journal and is published there (link below).   

⁠"Who am I" by Brian Routledge on epo.org⁠

⁠"Who am I" by Brian Routledge in the "Brain" Journal⁠

⁠"The exhibition" by Christophe Poizat on epo.org⁠

⁠"Mosaic" by Paule Gilis on epo.org⁠

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The EPO's latest study reveals massive global advances in diagnostics and treatments, with universities and public research institutes playing a major role. Innovation against cancer is growing rapidly and the wealth of free patent information in the EPO's newest technology platform is helping scientists to make more breakthroughs.  

Read the full study

Read the key findings

Access the Technologies combatting cancer platform

Guests: 

Laurent Deleu, Patent examiner, European Patent Office   

IIlja Rudyk, Senior economist, European Patent Office  

Moderator: 

Jeremy Philpott, Communications manager, European Patent Office 

Hear what three of our users have to say about switching to the digital patent granting process with the help of our new generation of online MyEPO services. 

Moderated by Richard Garvey, Key Account Manager at the EPO and with the participation of Zhakalazky Carrion, Senior Manager Docketing & Client Records, and Alexis Dagostino, Docketing & Client Records Coordinator both at at Schwegman Lundberg & Woessner; Christophe Ego, Patent Attorney at Winger and Kieran Donnelly, MyEPO Business Change Manager at the EPO.

More about MyEPO services

How are European startups using patents and trade marks to raise finance? The high failure rates of promising startups are often linked to their cashflow problems, so this a topic of critical importance for Europe’s economy. The authors of a recent study discuss their findings with regard to patents, trade marks and startup finance.

Guests:          

Yann Ménière, Chief Economist, European Patent Office

Nathan Wajsman, Chief Economist, EU Intellectual Property Office

Moderator:  Jeremy Philpott, manager in Communications, European Patent Office

⁠Access our study⁠

Additive manufacturing (AM) is a disruptive technology coming of age. The EPO’s latest study reveals explosion in global patenting activity in 3D printing and other forms of AM, now being deployed in construction, healthcare and transport.

Patent filings for AM inventions are increasing at eight times the rate across all technologies, as AM comes out of its niche as a prototyping tool and enters the mainstream at the centre of manufacturing.

Moderator:

Jeremy Philpott (Communications manager, EPO)

Guests:

Ilja Rudyk (Senior Economist, EPO) and Judy Ceulemans (Senior Expert, EPO)

Download the study

More about additive manufacturing on our website

Meeting virtually for an after-work chat in the European Patent Bar, judge Dr Matthias Zigann and attorney Grégoire Desrousseaux discuss “Adaptation of the description”. This requirement of the patent grant process at the EPO has provoked a variety of opinions amongst the profession and even before the Boards of Appeal. They discuss the central importance of clarity for patents, especially in litigation, and evaluate the different positions that practitioners hold.

 Dr Zigann is Presiding Judge at the Higher Regional Court in Munich, as well as Presiding Judge of the Local Division (Munich) of the Unified Patent Court. Mr Desrousseaux is a French litigator, European patent attorney and partner at August Debouzy in Paris. The views of the speakers are their own and not necessarily those of the EPO, nor of their courts nor chambers.

Patent professionals: how do you steer clear of unclear terminology, ambiguous descriptions or overly complex claims in your applications? Do you have a strategy to deal with objections? How do you draft a quality application? If these questions have left you feeling stressed, relax! Our expert trio is here to help.

Join an EPO examiner and two patent attorneys as they guide you through common patenting mistakes in four key areas: quality, pre-filing, application preparation and post-filing. 

Moderated by Rob Chapman, EPO examiner, with Sandra Pohlman, European Patent Attorney at df-mp, Munich, Germany and Thomas Remmerswaal, Dutch and European Patent Attorney at EP&C Patent Attorneys, Rijswijk, The Netherlands.

Trailer for the EPO’s new podcast channel “Talk innovation: patent professional edition” with content tailored to the needs of the patent profession: patent attorneys, lawyers, paralegals, patent searchers and related professions. First episode coming very soon! Subscribe now and don’t miss it.