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<!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en" dir="ltr" class="h-100"> <head> <meta charset="utf-8" /> <script>var _mtm = window._mtm = window._mtm || [];_mtm.push({"mtm.startTime": (new Date().getTime()), "event": "mtm.Start"});var d = document, g = d.createElement("script"), s = d.getElementsByTagName("script")[0];g.type = "text/javascript";g.async = true;g.src="https://matomo.epo.org/js/container_SPKJjzc5.js";s.parentNode.insertBefore(g, s);</script> <meta name="description" content="32nd meeting of the Select Committee of the Administrative Council held in Munich (9 and 10 October 2024) 180th meeting of the Administrative Council of the European Patent Organisation (Munich, 10 and 11 October 2024)" /> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.epo.org/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques" /> <meta name="title_content" content="Communiqués" class="elastic" /> <meta name="body" content="&lt;p&gt;&lt;a class=&quot;icon-link_anchor&quot; href=&quot;#SC/32&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;32nd meeting of the Select Committee of the Administrative Council held in Munich (9 and 10 October 2024)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a class=&quot;icon-link_anchor&quot; href=&quot;#AC/180&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;180th meeting of the Administrative Council of the European Patent Organisation (Munich, 10 and 11 October 2024)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a class=&quot;icon-link_anchor&quot; href=&quot;#AC/179&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;179th meeting of the Administrative Council of the European Patent Organisation (Munich, 27 and 28 June 2024)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a class=&quot;icon-link_anchor&quot; href=&quot;#SC/31&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;31st meeting of the Select Committee of the Administrative Council held in Munich &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang=&quot;DE&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;(Munich, 21 March 2024)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a class=&quot;icon-link_anchor&quot; href=&quot;#AC/178&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;178th meeting of the Administrative Council of the European Patent Organisation (Munich, 19-20 March 2024)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;hr&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;a id=&quot;SC/32&quot; name=&quot;SC/32&quot;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;Munich, 10 October 2024&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;h3&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;strong&gt;32nd meeting of the Select Committee of the Administrative Council held in Munich (9 and 10 October 2024)&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Select Committee of the European Patent Organisation held its 32nd meeting in Munich on 9 and 10 October 2024 under its Chairperson Mr Jérôme DEBRULLE (BE).&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Committee unanimously elected Mr Paul VAN BEUKERING (NL) as chairperson of the Select Committee of the Administrative Council and unanimously re-elected Ms Simona MARZETTI (IT) as deputy chairperson for a renewable three-year term of office, effective as of 27&amp;nbsp;March 2025. It also unanimously decided to admit the Unified Patent Court (UPC) as an observer.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Committee then noted the update by the Registrar of the UPC, Mr Alexander RAMSAY, on the latest UPC developments and achievements to date.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Office provided an update on the status of the operational and financial aspects of the Unitary Patent system for 2023 and the first half of 2024, emphasising the system’s popularity among users, as reflected by some 40 000 requests for unitary effect to date, and highlighting the constant increase throughout 2024 in the uptake rate, which had risen to 24.8% by the time of the meeting. Romania’s accession on 1&amp;nbsp;September&amp;nbsp;2024 marked the beginning of the second generation of Unitary Patents. Current figures indicate that most requests are coming from proprietors in EPC contracting states, with a significant proportion from SMEs and research centres. The Committee also noted the reports on the distribution of fees in Q1 and Q2 2024, showing a 20% higher than expected increase in overall fee income, and the application of the safety net mechanism for 2023 and the provisional settlement for 2024.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Committee then gave a unanimous favourable opinion on the draft statement of income and expenditure with regard to the implementation of the tasks relating to Unitary Patent protection in 2025.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Furthermore, the Committee received an update from the Office and the European Commission regarding their respective communication and promotional activities undertaken since the Committee’s previous meeting.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;After an exchange of views on the implementation of the 14th package of EU sanctions against Russia in procedures related to the Unitary Patent, the Committee gave a unanimous favourable opinion on the proposed amendment of Rule&amp;nbsp;5(2) UPR and requested that a draft decision be submitted as soon as possible for its approval in a written procedure.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Lastly the Committee noted the request by the Office to member states to inform it of any changes to the national measures relating to the Unitary Patent as soon as they become available.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;In closing, the Committee noted that its next meeting would take place in March 2025.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class=&quot;paragraph&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Council Secretariat&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;hr&gt; &lt;p class=&quot;paragraph&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;a id=&quot;AC/180&quot; name=&quot;AC/180&quot;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;Munich, 11 October 2024&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;h3 class=&quot;paragraph&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;180th meeting of the Administrative Council of the European Patent Organisation (Munich, 10 and 11 October 2024&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p class=&quot;paragraph&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Administrative Council of the European Patent Organisation held its 180th meeting in Munich in a hybrid format on 10 and 11 October 2024 under its Chairperson Josef KRATOCHVÍL (CZ).&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class=&quot;paragraph&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;After the Chairperson&#039;s activities report, the Council noted the Office’s comprehensive&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt; &lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;quarterly &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;activities report, &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;which highlighted the developments of the five drivers under the SP2028, as well as the dedicated update on the Office’s digital transformation journey through the IT programmes and pipelines.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt; &lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Council welcomed the Office’s achievements, including &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;the multifaceted approach to quality, record productivity, comprehensive engagement with users, and the availability of quantitative and qualitative data through KPIs. Regarding digital transformation, the emphasis on lean governance, simplification and humancentric use of AI was also welcomed.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt; Further, the Council also noted the management report of the President of the Boards of Appeal (PBoA) for 2024, including the achievement of the objective of settling 90% of appeals within 30 months, and warmly thanked the Boards of Appeal staff for their excellent results.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class=&quot;paragraph&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Council decided to re-elect Mr Josef KRATOCHVÍL as its Chairperson for another term of three years, with effect from 1 January 2025. Furthermore, the Council also took a number of decisions on individual appointments and decided to &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;ul&gt; &lt;li class=&quot;paragraph&quot;&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;elect Stefan HARASEK (AT) as Deputy Chairperson of the Committee on Patent Law; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li class=&quot;paragraph&quot;&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;re-appoint Mr Tom FEARNLEY (NO), Ms Hélène DUBOIS (FR) and Ms Margaret FROST (UK) as respectively deputy Chairperson, external member and alternate external member of the Supervisory Board of the Reserve Funds for Pensions and Social Security (RFPSS); &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li class=&quot;paragraph&quot;&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;re-appoint Ms Valeria FALCE and Mr Eero MANTERE as members of the Appeals Committee. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;p class=&quot;paragraph&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Council also decided on the appointment, reappointment and career progression of members of the Boards of Appeal and of the Enlarged Board of Appeal, based on proposals by the P&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;BoA&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class=&quot;paragraph&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Furthermore, the Council decided to take the necessary steps to extend the term of office of a member of the Board of Auditors, Mr. Hannes SCHUH (AT) for a period of 2 years and to take a decision in that regard at its December meeting.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Council unanimously adopted the draft decision inviting Bosnia and Herzegovina to accede to the European Patent Convention. It also authorised the President of the EPO to open negotiations on a validation agreement with the Republic of Djibouti on behalf of the European Patent &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Organisation and to conclude the validation agreement with the Republic of Costa Rica.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class=&quot;minutespoint&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;With regard to building matters, the Council gave a favourable opinion on the project proposals in The Hague, welcoming&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;the&amp;nbsp;optimisation of office space and energy consumption and the Office’s long term financial sustainability&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class=&quot;paragraph&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Turning to personnel matters, the Council unanimously adopted the review of the conditions of employment for the Office’s interpreters, welcoming the long-term and cost-effective solution developed by the Office. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class=&quot;SNNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Council noted the reports from the chairpersons of its various bodies on their recent meetings, namely of the Boards of Appeal Committee and the Committee on Patent Law. In particular, the Council noted the report of the Chairperson of the Committee on Patent Law on its 60th meeting, including the exchange of views on the implementation of the 14th package of EU sanctions against Russia in EPC procedures. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Council also noted the presentation by the Office on the possible options for implementing the sanctions and requested the Office to continue the discussions at the November meeting of the Committee on Patent Law. Implementation in the Unitary Patent procedure was addressed by t&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;he Chairperson of the Select Committee, reporting on its latest meeting.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class=&quot;paragraph&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Finally, the Council was updated about the latest Unitary Patent developments by the Office and by the delegation of Hungary – the country holding the Presidency of the EU Council in the second half of 2024 – on its activities.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class=&quot;paragraph&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Council Secretariat&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;hr&gt; &lt;p class=&quot;paragraph&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;a id=&quot;AC/179&quot; name=&quot;AC/179&quot;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;Munich, 28 June 2024&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;h3 class=&quot;paragraph&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;179th meeting of the Administrative Council of the European Patent Organisation (Munich, 27 and 28 June 2024&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p class=&quot;paragraph&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Administrative Council of the European Patent Organisation held its 179th meeting in Munich in a hybrid format on 27 and 28 June 2024 under its Chairperson Josef KRATOCHVÍL (CZ).&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class=&quot;paragraph&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;After the Chairperson&#039;s activities report, the Council noted the Office’s comprehensive&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt; Annual Review report complemented by a video highlighting the Office’s continued progress over 2023&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;. &lt;span&gt;The main activities and major achievements of 2023 were presented, &lt;/span&gt;which included the 50-year celebrations,&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; the &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;entry into operations of &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;the &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Unitary Patent system, a review of&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; the &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;EPO’s fee policy, and the launch of the Observatory, marking a year defined by quality, inclusivity, co-operation and growth&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;. The Council congratulated the President and the staff on the results and welcomed the focus placed on quality and sustainability.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class=&quot;paragraph&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Office reported on the EPO Staff Survey 2024 results and received a favourable opinion on the lightly adjusted New Ways of Working policy. The Council also adopted the policy on the secondment of national experts (SNEs), &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;having noted the report evaluating the two-year SNE pilot project launched in 2022&lt;span&gt;. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class=&quot;minutespoint&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Council, as part of the modernisation of the EPO’s external governance proposed by the Chairperson,&lt;em&gt; &lt;/em&gt;unanimously&lt;em&gt; &lt;/em&gt;adopted a Code of Conduct on the prevention and management of conflicts of interest for the Administrative Council of the European Patent Organisation. In closed session, the Council adopted the decisions laying down the rules for appointing and reappointing, and extending the term of office of the President and Vice-Presidents of the European Patent Office and related amendments to its Rules of Procedure (RoP). The Council also noted the request from Bosnia and Herzegovina to be invited to accede to the EPC. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class=&quot;minutespoint&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Council further noted the catalogue of co-operation projects under SP2028. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;It also authorised the President to open negotiations on validation agreements with the United Mexican States, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, and the Republic of Panama.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class=&quot;paragraph&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Further, the Council decided on the appointment, reappointment and career progression of members of the Boards of Appeal and of the Enlarged Board of Appeal, based on proposals by the President of the Boards of Appeal.&amp;nbsp;It unanimously decided to appoint Mr&amp;nbsp;Alexander&amp;nbsp;PFISTER (CH) as member and to renew the term of office of Mr&amp;nbsp;Colin&amp;nbsp;BIRSS&amp;nbsp;(GB) as external member of the Boards of Appeal Committee.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class=&quot;paragraph&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Finally, the Council noted the reports from the chairpersons of its various advisory bodies on their recent meetings, namely of the Technical and Operational Support Committee, Supervisory Board of the Reserve Funds for Pensions and Social Security, Budget and Finance Committee and the Select Committee. The Council was updated by the Office on the Unitary Patent, and informed &amp;nbsp;by the delegations of Belgium and Hungary (the countries &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;holding the Presidency of the EU Council in 2024, until 30 June&amp;nbsp;&lt;span&gt;and as of 1 July &lt;span&gt;respectively), about the latest developments, progress, and priorities on the Unitary Patent and the EU patent package, notably as regards unitary SPCs.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class=&quot;paragraph&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Council Secretariat&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;hr&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;a id=&quot;SC/31&quot; name=&quot;SC/31&quot;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;Munich, 21 March 2024&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;h3&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;31st meeting of the Select Committee of the Administrative Council held in Munich (21 March 2024)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Select Committee of the European Patent Organisation held its 31st meeting in Munich on 21 March 2024 under its Chairperson Mr Jérôme DEBRULLE (BE).&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Committee firstly noted the update by the Registrar of the Unified Patent Court (UPC), Mr Alexander Ramsay, on the latest UPC developments and its achievements to date. It also welcomed the information on the signing of the Seat agreement by the Italian government with regard to both the local division and the future Central division in Milan. Further, it welcomed the progress being made by Romania and Ireland, with the former soon to join UPC as its 18th member. The Committee then noted BUSINESSEUROPE’s concerns regarding Supplementary Protection Certificates (SPCs).&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Office gave an update on the status of the operational and financial aspects of the UP system, highlighting in particular the milestone just achieved, namely the registration of more than 22 000 Unitary Patents. At the time of the meeting, the uptake rate stood at 23.5%, &lt;/span&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;up from &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;22.3% during the second semester of&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt; 2023&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;, operations were running smoothly, and financial monitoring indicated that the UPP fee income for 2023 exceeded projections by 36% while costs were as projected. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Committee congratulated the Office on the successful implementation of the UPP.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Finally, the Committee was provided with a comprehensive update by the Office on the communication and promotional activities carried out since its last meeting, with a particular focus on the upcoming first anniversary of the UPP. The European Commission also gave an update on its ongoing efforts concerning UPP-related communication activities, and was invited to provide regular reports to the Committee. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Committee noted the state of play presented by the Office on the national measures accompanying the implementation of the UPP and the request by the Office to the member states participating in the UPP to promptly provide any updates on these measures as they become available. Furthermore, the Committee noted epi’s intervention on a technical issue related to the maintenance of the Unitary Patent register, in particular in relation to the address of the applicant on the date of filing, and the Office’s statement that the issue had been solved in the meantime.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;In closing, the Committee noted that its next meeting would take place in October 2024.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Council Secretariat&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;hr&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Munich, 19-20 March 2024&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;h3&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;a id=&quot;AC/178&quot; name=&quot;AC/178&quot;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;178th meeting of the Administrative Council of the European Patent Organisation (Munich, 19-20 March 2024)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Administrative Council of the European Patent Organisation held its 178th meeting in Munich in a hybrid format on 19 and 20 March 2024 under its Chairperson Josef KRATOCHVÍL (CZ)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; and its Deputy Chairperson, Borghildur ERLINGSD&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Ó&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;TTIR (IS). &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Council was presented with a quarterly report on the Office’s activities, as well as an intermediate report on the New Ways of Working (NWoW) pilot scheme. The Council welcomed the Office’s results, highlighting the unprecedented volume of patent applications, and the achievements of the past months, including the development and improvement of IT tools, the Quality dashboard and Quality Action Plan, the continued active dialogue with users, the patent intelligence services and products, and the long-term sustainability agenda. The Council further welcomed the comprehensive intermediate report on the results achieved since the launch of NWoW in September 2022. Delegations discussed several aspects of the pilot scheme, including the flexibility it provides, the improved work life balance, quality and efficiency of the work undertaken from home, the onboarding of new staff, and the impact on organisational culture. &amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Council also noted the management report of the President of the Boards of Appeal for 2023 and congratulated the Board’s staff for their excellent results.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Turning to key strategic decisions, the Council unanimously approved the Strategic Plan 2028 and the corresponding Annual Work Plan 2024. The Council praised the renewed strategic vision of SP2028, highlighting financial sustainability, the importance of digital transformation and the integration of AI tools into the patent granting process, the focus on high quality and timely products and services, the co-operation with the NPOs, the proactive focus on partnerships and the corresponding KPIs. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;As part of the modernisation of the EPO’s external governance proposed by the Chairperson, the Council, meeting in closed session, gave a favourable opinion on a proposal regarding appointment/reappointment procedures for the President and Vice-Presidents and voting on (re)elections, (re)appointments and extensions in secret ballot, and noted that the Chairperson, working with the Board of the Administrative Council, will prepare a consolidated version to be submitted to the Council in June. Furthermore, the Council gave a unanimous favourable opinion on a proposal for a Code of Conduct for the Council. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Regarding appointments, the Council unanimously decided to:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;ul&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;re-elect Mr Antti RIIVARI&amp;nbsp;(FI) as chairperson of the Committee on Patent Law for a term of office of three years, with effect from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2027, such term of office being renewable;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;elect Mr&amp;nbsp;Adam&amp;nbsp;WILLIAMS&amp;nbsp;(GB) as member of the Board of the Administrative Council for a term of office of three years, with effect from 20 March 2024 to 19 March 2027, as well as Mr&amp;nbsp;Agris&amp;nbsp;BATALAUSKIS&amp;nbsp;(LV), as member of the Board of the Administrative Council for a term of office of three years, with effect from 27 June 2024 to 26 June 2027, such terms of office being non-renewable;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;re-appoint Mr Julyan ELBRO&amp;nbsp;(GB) as alternate member of the Boards of Appeal Committee for a term of office of three years, with effect from 23 March 2024 to 22 March 2027, such term of office being renewable or extendable.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Council also decided on the appointment and re-appointment of members of the Boards of Appeal, based on proposals by the President of the Boards of Appeal.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;As regards legal and international affairs, the Council:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;ul&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;unanimously approved two recommendations, namely one for a common practice as regards allowable features in drawings and the other for a common practice as regards issuing and accepting electronic priority documents;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;unanimously authorised the President to conclude a validation agreement between the Lao People&#039;s Democratic Republic and the European Patent Organisation, and to open negotiations on a validation agreement with the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;As regards building matters, the Council noted the information on the new premises of the EPO sub-office in Berlin provided by the Office and by the head of the German delegation, and welcomed the steps announced as regards the completion of that important project within the timeframe foreseen.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Furthermore, the Council noted the reports of the respective Chairpersons of the Committee on Patent Law, and of the Boards of Appeal Committee respectively.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Finally, an update on Unitary Patent protection was presented by the Office, by the Belgian delegation, Belgium being the country to hold the presidency of the Council of the European Union for the first half of 2024, and by the Chairperson of the Select Committee. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Council Secretariat&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;" class="elastic" /> <meta name="description_content" content="Read the 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</div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/applying/fees/fees" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> European fees (EPC) </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/applying/fees/international-fees" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> International fees (PCT) </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/applying/fees/unitary-patent-fees" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Unitary Patent fees (UP) </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/applying/fees/payment" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Fee payment and refunds </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/applying/fees/warning" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Warning </a> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="tbm-column span4"> <div class="tbm-column-inner"> <div class="tbm-block" data-elastic-exclude=""> <div class="block-inner"> <div id="block-block-content05f64cc2-dbe1-46ba-a1c3-185627531b84" class="block block-block-content block-block-content05f64cc2-dbe1-46ba-a1c3-185627531b84"> <div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p><span><span><span><a href="https://new.epo.org/en/applying/european/unitary"><img alt="UP" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e15e2ad0-dc73-44c8-b4ff-362da4929a4a" data-image-style="ratio_4_3" loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/ratio_4_3/public/inline-images/UP%20PCMM%201200x400.jpg?itok=Nf2zdo4y" width="1200" height="400" class="image-style-ratio-4-3"></a></span></span></span></p> <p><a 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data-url="/en/applying/international/training-events" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/international/training-events" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446878">Training and events</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="National route" data-url="/en/applying/national" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/national" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446881">National route</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="MyEPO services" data-url="/en/applying/myepo-services" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu MyEPO services" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> MyEPO services </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/applying/myepo-services" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/myepo-services" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323131">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Understand our services" data-url="/en/applying/myepo-services/understand" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Understand our services" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Understand our services </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/applying/myepo-services/understand" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/myepo-services/understand" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/715237">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Exchange data with us using an API" data-url="/en/applying/myepo-services/understand/api" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Exchange data with us using an API" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Exchange data with us using an API </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Release notes" data-url="/en/applying/myepo-services/understand/api/release-notes" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/myepo-services/understand/api/release-notes" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1157467">Release notes</a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Get access" data-url="/en/applying/myepo-services/get-access" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Get access" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Get access </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/applying/myepo-services/get-access" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/myepo-services/get-access" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323389">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Release notes" data-url="/en/applying/myepo-services/get-access/release-notes" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/myepo-services/get-access/release-notes" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1128281">Release notes</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="File with us" data-url="/en/applying/myepo-services/file-with-us" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu File with us" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> File with us </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/applying/myepo-services/file-with-us" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/myepo-services/file-with-us" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323215">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="What if our online filing services are down?" data-url="/en/applying/myepo-services/file-with-us/cus" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/myepo-services/file-with-us/cus" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/789682">What if our online filing services are down?</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Release notes" data-url="/en/applying/myepo-services/file-with-us/release-notes" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/myepo-services/file-with-us/release-notes" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447004">Release notes</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Interact with us on your files" data-url="/en/applying/myepo-services/interact" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Interact with us on your files" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Interact with us on your files </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Release notes" data-url="/en/applying/myepo-services/interact/release-notes" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/myepo-services/interact/release-notes" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447007">Release notes</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Online Filing &amp; fee payment outages" data-url="/en/applying/myepo-services/online-filing-outages" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/myepo-services/online-filing-outages" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/534040">Online Filing &amp; fee payment outages</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Fees" data-url="/en/applying/fees" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Fees" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Fees </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/applying/fees" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/fees" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323470">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="European fees (EPC)" data-url="/en/applying/fees/fees" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu European fees (EPC)" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> European fees (EPC) </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/applying/fees/fees" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/fees/fees" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323797">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Decisions and notices" data-url="/en/applying/fees/fees/decisions-and-notices" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/fees/fees/decisions-and-notices" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447040">Decisions and notices</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="International fees (PCT)" data-url="/en/applying/fees/international-fees" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu International fees (PCT)" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> International fees (PCT) </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Reduction in fees" data-url="/en/applying/fees/international-fees/reduction-in-fees" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/fees/international-fees/reduction-in-fees" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447046">Reduction in fees</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Fees for international applications" data-url="/en/applying/fees/international-fees/important-fees" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/fees/international-fees/important-fees" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447049">Fees for international applications</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Decisions and notices" data-url="/en/applying/fees/international-fees/decisions-and-notices" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/fees/international-fees/decisions-and-notices" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447043">Decisions and notices</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/applying/fees/international-fees" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/fees/international-fees" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/407326">Overview</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Unitary Patent fees (UP)" data-url="/en/applying/fees/unitary-patent-fees" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Unitary Patent fees (UP)" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Unitary Patent fees (UP) </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/applying/fees/unitary-patent-fees" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/fees/unitary-patent-fees" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/571075">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Decisions and notices" data-url="/en/applying/fees/unitary-patent-fees/decisions" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/fees/unitary-patent-fees/decisions" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/571078">Decisions and notices</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Fee payment and refunds" data-url="/en/applying/fees/payment" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Fee payment and refunds" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Fee payment and refunds </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/applying/fees/payment" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/fees/payment" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/407329">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Payment methods" data-url="/en/applying/fees/payment/methods" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/fees/payment/methods" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/413782">Payment methods</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Getting started" data-url="/en/applying/fees/payment/getting-started" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/fees/payment/getting-started" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/413785">Getting started</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="FAQs and other documentation" data-url="/en/applying/fees/payment/FAQs-and-other-documentation" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/fees/payment/FAQs-and-other-documentation" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/415672">FAQs and other documentation</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Technical information for batch payments" data-url="/en/applying/fees/payment/technical-information-xml-and-csv-file-formats-batch-payments" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/fees/payment/technical-information-xml-and-csv-file-formats-batch-payments" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447013">Technical information for batch payments</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Decisions and notices" data-url="/en/applying/fees/payment/decisions-and-notices" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/fees/payment/decisions-and-notices" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/516805">Decisions and notices</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Release notes" data-url="/en/applying/fees/payment/release-notes" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/fees/payment/release-notes" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447010">Release notes</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Warning" data-url="/en/applying/fees/warning" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/fees/warning" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447055">Warning</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Forms" data-url="/en/applying/forms" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Forms" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Forms </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Request for examination" data-url="/en/applying/forms/examination" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/forms/examination" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/541570">Request for examination</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Find a professional representative" data-url="/en/applying/representatives" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/representatives" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/54318">Find a professional representative</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Law &amp; practice" data-url="" data-elastic-exclude> <span class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" aria-expanded="false" data-toggle="dropdown" title="Expand menu Law &amp; practice" data-elastic-exclude="">Law &amp; practice</span> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> <a class="navigation-bar-close-menu"> </a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/law-practice" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/law-practice" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/465547">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Legal texts" data-url="/en/legal" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Legal texts" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Legal texts </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/legal" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/legal" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/285094">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="European Patent Convention" data-url="/en/legal/epc" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu European Patent Convention" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> European Patent Convention </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/legal/epc" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/legal/epc" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/285103">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Archive" data-url="/en/legal/epc/archive" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Archive" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Archive </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/legal/epc/archive" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/legal/epc/archive" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447058">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Documentation on the EPC revision 2000" data-url="/en/legal/epc/archive/documentation-epc-revision-2000" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Documentation on the EPC revision 2000" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Documentation on the EPC revision 2000 </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/legal/epc/archive/documentation-epc-revision-2000" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/legal/epc/archive/documentation-epc-revision-2000" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" title="Overview" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447061">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Diplomatic Conference for the revision of the EPC" data-url="/en/legal/epc/archive/documentation-epc-revision-2000/diplomatic-conference-revision-epc" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/legal/epc/archive/documentation-epc-revision-2000/diplomatic-conference-revision-epc" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447064">Diplomatic Conference for the revision of the EPC</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Travaux préparatoires" data-url="/en/legal/epc/archive/documentation-epc-revision-2000/travaux-preparatoires" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/legal/epc/archive/documentation-epc-revision-2000/travaux-preparatoires" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447067">Travaux préparatoires</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="New text" data-url="/en/legal/epc/archive/documentation-epc-revision-2000/new-text" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/legal/epc/archive/documentation-epc-revision-2000/new-text" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447070">New text</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Transitional provisions" data-url="/en/legal/epc/archive/documentation-epc-revision-2000/transitional-provisions" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/legal/epc/archive/documentation-epc-revision-2000/transitional-provisions" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447073">Transitional provisions</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Implementing regulations to the EPC 2000" data-url="/en/legal/epc/archive/documentation-epc-revision-2000/implementing-regulations" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/legal/epc/archive/documentation-epc-revision-2000/implementing-regulations" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447076">Implementing regulations to the EPC 2000</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Rules relating to Fees" data-url="/en/legal/epc/archive/documentation-epc-revision-2000/rules-relating-fees" data-elastic-exclude> <a 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aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> European Inventor Award </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/news-events/european-inventor-award" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/european-inventor-award" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323683">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="The meaning of tomorrow" data-url="/en/news-events/european-inventor-award/meaning-tomorrow" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/european-inventor-award/meaning-tomorrow" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1142564">The meaning of tomorrow</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="About the award" 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case studies</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Inventor&#039;s handbook" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/inventors-handbook" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Inventor&#039;s handbook" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Inventor&#039;s handbook </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/inventors-handbook" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/inventors-handbook" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1202855">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Introduction" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/inventors-handbook/introduction" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/inventors-handbook/introduction" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1203502">Introduction</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Disclosure and confidentiality" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/inventors-handbook/disclosure-and-confidentiality" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/inventors-handbook/disclosure-and-confidentiality" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1203503">Disclosure and confidentiality</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Novelty and prior art" 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data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/inventors-handbook/assessing-risk-ahead" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/inventors-handbook/assessing-risk-ahead" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1203518">Assessing the risk ahead</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Proving the invention" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/inventors-handbook/proving-invention" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/inventors-handbook/proving-invention" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1203519">Proving the invention</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Protecting your idea" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/inventors-handbook/protecting-your-idea" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/inventors-handbook/protecting-your-idea" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1204165">Protecting your idea</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Building a team and seeking funding" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/inventors-handbook/building-team-and-seeking-funding" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/inventors-handbook/building-team-and-seeking-funding" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1204166">Building a team and seeking funding</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Business planning" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/inventors-handbook/business-planning" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/inventors-handbook/business-planning" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1204167">Business planning</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Finding and approaching companies" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/inventors-handbook/finding-and-approaching-companies" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/inventors-handbook/finding-and-approaching-companies" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1204169">Finding and approaching companies</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Dealing with companies" 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data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/best-search-matters/epo-procedures-and-initiatives" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1209367">EPO procedures and initiatives</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Search strategies" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/best-search-matters/search-strategies" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/best-search-matters/search-strategies" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1209369">Search strategies</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Challenges and specific topics" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/best-search-matters/challenges-and-specific-topics" data-elastic-exclude> <a 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data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/belgium" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/belgium" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/892933">Belgium</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Bulgaria" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/bulgaria" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/bulgaria" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/892936">Bulgaria</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Croatia" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/croatia" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/croatia" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/894931">Croatia</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Cyprus" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/cyprus" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/cyprus" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/892942">Cyprus</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Czech Republic" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/czech-republic" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/czech-republic" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/892945">Czech Republic</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Denmark" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/denmark" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/denmark" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/892951">Denmark</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Estonia" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/Estonia" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/Estonia" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/892954">Estonia</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Finland" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/finland" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/finland" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/892960">Finland</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="France" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/france" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/france" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/892963">France</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Germany" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/germany" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/germany" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/892948">Germany</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Greece" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/greece" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/greece" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/892969">Greece</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Hungary" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/hungary" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/hungary" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/894934">Hungary</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Iceland" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/iceland" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/iceland" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/894940">Iceland</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Ireland" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/ireland" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/ireland" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/894937">Ireland</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Italy" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/italy" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/italy" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/894943">Italy</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Latvia" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/latvia" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/latvia" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/894955">Latvia</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Liechtenstein" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/liechtenstein" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/liechtenstein" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/894946">Liechtenstein</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Lithuania" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/lithuania" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/lithuania" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/894949">Lithuania</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Luxembourg" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/luxembourg" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/luxembourg" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/894952">Luxembourg</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Malta" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/malta" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/malta" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/894967">Malta</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Monaco" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/monaco" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/monaco" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/894958">Monaco</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Montenegro" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/montenegro" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/montenegro" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/894961">Montenegro</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Netherlands" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/netherlands" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/netherlands" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/894970">Netherlands</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="North Macedonia" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/north-macedonia" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/north-macedonia" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/894964">North Macedonia</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Norway" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/norway" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/norway" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/898867">Norway</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Poland" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/poland" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/poland" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/898870">Poland</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Portugal" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/portugal" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/portugal" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/767260">Portugal</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Romania" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/romania" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/romania" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/898873">Romania</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="San Marino" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/san-marino" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/san-marino" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/904675">San Marino</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Serbia" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/serbia" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/serbia" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/902755">Serbia</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Slovakia" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/slovakia" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/slovakia" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/902764">Slovakia</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Slovenia" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/slovenia" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/slovenia" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/902761">Slovenia</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Spain" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/spain" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/spain" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/892957">Spain</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Sweden" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/sweden" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/sweden" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/902758">Sweden</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Switzerland" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/switzerland" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/switzerland" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/892939">Switzerland</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Türkiye" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/turkiye" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/turkiye" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/904678">Türkiye</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="United Kingdom" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/united-kingdom" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/united-kingdom" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/892966">United Kingdom</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="50 Leading Tech Voices" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/50-leading-tech-voices" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/50-leading-tech-voices" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/753721">50 Leading Tech Voices</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Athens Marathon" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/athens-marathon" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/athens-marathon" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/945247">Athens Marathon</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Kids’ collaborative art competition" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/kids-collaborative-art-competition" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/kids-collaborative-art-competition" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447319">Kids’ collaborative art competition</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Legal foundations and member states" data-url="/en/about-us/foundation" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Legal foundations and member states" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Legal foundations and member states </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/about-us/foundation" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/foundation" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323260">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Legal foundations" data-url="/en/about-us/foundation/legal-foundations" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/foundation/legal-foundations" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447322">Legal foundations</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Member states" data-url="/en/about-us/foundation/member-states" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Member states" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Member states </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/about-us/foundation/member-states" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/foundation/member-states" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447325">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Member states by date of accession" data-url="/en/about-us/foundation/member-states/date" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/foundation/member-states/date" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447328">Member states by date of accession</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Extension states" data-url="/en/about-us/foundation/extension-states" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/foundation/extension-states" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447331">Extension states</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Validation states" data-url="/en/about-us/foundation/validation-states" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/foundation/validation-states" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447334">Validation states</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Administrative Council and subsidiary bodies" data-url="/en/about-us/administrative-council" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link active" title="Expand menu Administrative Council and subsidiary bodies" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Administrative Council and subsidiary bodies </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/about-us/administrative-council" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323263">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Communiqués" data-url="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link active" title="Expand menu Communiqués" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Communiqués </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link is-active" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447337">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="2023" data-url="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques/2023" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques/2023" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1166619">2023</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="2022" data-url="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques/2022" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques/2022" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/518689">2022</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="2021" data-url="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques/2021" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques/2021" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447340">2021</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="2020" data-url="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques/2020" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques/2020" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447343">2020</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="2019" data-url="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques/2019" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques/2019" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447346">2019</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="2018" data-url="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques/2018" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques/2018" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447349">2018</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="2017" data-url="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques/2017" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques/2017" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447352">2017</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="2016" data-url="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques/2016" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques/2016" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447355">2016</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="2015" data-url="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques/2015" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques/2015" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447358">2015</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="2014" data-url="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques/2014" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques/2014" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447361">2014</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="2013" data-url="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques/2013" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques/2013" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447364">2013</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Calendar" data-url="/en/about-us/administrative-council/calendar" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council/calendar" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447367">Calendar</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Documents and publications" data-url="/en/about-us/administrative-council/documentation" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Documents and publications" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Documents and publications </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/about-us/administrative-council/documentation/documentation" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council/documentation/documentation" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447373">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Select Committee documents" data-url="/en/about-us/administrative-council/documentation/documentation" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council/documentation/documentation" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447373">Select Committee documents</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Administrative Council" data-url="/en/about-us/administrative-council/administrative-council" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Administrative Council" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Administrative Council </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/about-us/administrative-council/administrative-council" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council/administrative-council" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323266">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Composition" data-url="/en/about-us/administrative-council/administrative-council/composition" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council/administrative-council/composition" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447379">Composition</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Representatives" data-url="/en/about-us/administrative-council/administrative-council/representatives" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council/administrative-council/representatives" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447382">Representatives</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Rules of Procedure" data-url="/en/about-us/administrative-council/administrative-council/rules" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council/administrative-council/rules" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447385">Rules of Procedure</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Board of Auditors" data-url="/en/about-us/administrative-council/administrative-council/auditors" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council/administrative-council/auditors" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447388">Board of Auditors</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Secretariat" data-url="/en/about-us/administrative-council/administrative-council/secretariat" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council/administrative-council/secretariat" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447391">Secretariat</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Council bodies" data-url="/en/about-us/administrative-council/administrative-council/bodies" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council/administrative-council/bodies" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447394">Council bodies</a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Principles &amp; strategy" data-url="/en/about-us/office" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Principles &amp; strategy" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Principles &amp; strategy </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/about-us/office" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/office" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323272">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Mission, vision, values &amp; corporate policy" data-url="/en/about-us/office/mission" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/office/mission" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447397">Mission, vision, values &amp; corporate policy</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Strategic Plan 2028" data-url="/en/about-us/office/strategic-plan-2028" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Strategic Plan 2028" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Strategic Plan 2028 </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Driver 1: People" data-url="/en/about-us/office/strategic-plan-2028/driver-1" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/office/strategic-plan-2028/driver-1" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1103019">Driver 1: People</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Driver 2: Technologies" data-url="/en/about-us/office/strategic-plan-2028/driver-2" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/office/strategic-plan-2028/driver-2" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1103678">Driver 2: Technologies</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Driver 3: High-quality, timely products and services" data-url="/en/about-us/office/strategic-plan-2028/driver-3" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/office/strategic-plan-2028/driver-3" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1105634">Driver 3: High-quality, timely products and services</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Driver 4: Partnerships" data-url="/en/about-us/office/strategic-plan-2028/driver-4" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/office/strategic-plan-2028/driver-4" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1105635">Driver 4: Partnerships</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Driver 5: Financial sustainability" data-url="/en/about-us/office/strategic-plan-2028/driver-5" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/office/strategic-plan-2028/driver-5" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1105636">Driver 5: Financial sustainability</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Towards a New Normal" data-url="/en/about-us/office/new-normal" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/office/new-normal" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447400">Towards a New Normal</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Data protection &amp; privacy notice" data-url="/en/about-us/office/data-protection-and-privacy" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/office/data-protection-and-privacy" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447409">Data protection &amp; privacy notice</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Leadership &amp; management" data-url="/en/about-us/leadership-and-management" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Leadership &amp; management" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Leadership &amp; management </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/about-us/leadership-and-management" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/leadership-and-management" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323275">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="About the President" data-url="/en/about-us/leadership-and-management/president" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/leadership-and-management/president" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447412">About the President</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Management Advisory Committee" data-url="/en/about-us/leadership-and-management/management-committee" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/leadership-and-management/management-committee" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323473">Management Advisory Committee</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Sustainability at the EPO" data-url="/en/about-us/sustainability-at-the-epo" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Sustainability at the EPO" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Sustainability at the EPO </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/about-us/sustainability-at-the-epo" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/sustainability-at-the-epo" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1160717">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Environmental" data-url="/en/about-us/sustainability-at-the-epo/environmental" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Environmental" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Environmental </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/about-us/sustainability-at-the-epo/environmental" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/sustainability-at-the-epo/environmental" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1254051">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Inspiring environmental inventions" data-url="/en/about-us/sustainability-at-the-epo/environmental/inspiring-environmental-inventions" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/sustainability-at-the-epo/environmental/inspiring-environmental-inventions" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1162725">Inspiring environmental inventions</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Social" data-url="/en/about-us/sustainability-at-the-epo/social" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Social" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Social </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/about-us/sustainability-at-the-epo/social" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/sustainability-at-the-epo/social" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1162724">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Inspiring social inventions" data-url="/en/about-us/sustainability-at-the-epo/social/inspiring-social-inventions" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/sustainability-at-the-epo/social/inspiring-social-inventions" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1162726">Inspiring social inventions</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Governance and Financial sustainability" data-url="/en/about-us/sustainability-at-the-epo/governance" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/sustainability-at-the-epo/governance" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1162727">Governance and Financial sustainability</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Procurement" data-url="/en/about-us/tenders" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Procurement" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Procurement </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/about-us/tenders" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/tenders" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/494116">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Procurement forecast" data-url="/en/about-us/tenders/procurement-forecast" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/tenders/procurement-forecast" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/558646">Procurement forecast</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Doing business with the EPO" data-url="/en/about-us/tenders/doing-business-with-the-epo" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/tenders/doing-business-with-the-epo" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447487">Doing business with the EPO</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Procurement procedures" data-url="/en/about-us/tenders/procurement-procedures" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/tenders/procurement-procedures" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447490">Procurement procedures</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) publications" data-url="/en/about-us/tenders/dynamic-purchasing-system-dps-publications" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/tenders/dynamic-purchasing-system-dps-publications" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1176440">Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) publications</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Sustainable Procurement Policy" data-url="/en/about-us/tenders/sustainable-procurement-policy" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/tenders/sustainable-procurement-policy" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1040905">Sustainable Procurement Policy</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="About eTendering" data-url="/en/about-us/tenders/signatures" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/tenders/signatures" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447493">About eTendering</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Invoicing" data-url="/en/about-us/tenders/invoicing" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/tenders/invoicing" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447502">Invoicing</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Procurement portal" data-url="/en/about-us/tenders/procurement-portal" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Procurement portal" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Procurement portal </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/about-us/tenders/procurement-portal" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/tenders/procurement-portal" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447496">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="e-Signing contracts" data-url="/en/about-us/tenders/procurement-portal/e-signing-contracts" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/tenders/procurement-portal/e-signing-contracts" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447499">e-Signing contracts</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="General conditions" data-url="/en/about-us/tenders/general-conditions" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/tenders/general-conditions" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447505">General conditions</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Archived tenders" data-url="/en/about-us/tenders/archived-tenders" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/tenders/archived-tenders" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/494122">Archived tenders</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Services &amp; activities" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Services &amp; activities" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Services &amp; activities </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323305">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Our services &amp; structure" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/services" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/services" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447415">Our services &amp; structure</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Quality" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Quality" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Quality </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/717244">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Foundations" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/foundations" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Foundations" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Foundations </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/foundations" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/foundations" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/726715">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="European Patent Convention" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/foundations/epc" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/foundations/epc" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/744157">European Patent Convention</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Guidelines for examination" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/foundations/guidelines" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/foundations/guidelines" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/746053">Guidelines for examination</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Our staff" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/foundations/staff" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/foundations/staff" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/746056">Our staff</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Enabling quality" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/enabling-quality" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Enabling quality" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Enabling quality </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/enabling-quality" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/enabling-quality" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/742150">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Prior art" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/enabling-quality/prior-art" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/enabling-quality/prior-art" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/746095">Prior art</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Classification" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/enabling-quality/classification" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/enabling-quality/classification" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/746098">Classification</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Tools" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/enabling-quality/tools" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/enabling-quality/tools" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/746101">Tools</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Processes" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/enabling-quality/processes" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/enabling-quality/processes" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/746104">Processes</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Products &amp; services" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/high-quality-products-services" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Products &amp; services" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Products &amp; services </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/high-quality-products-services" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/high-quality-products-services" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/742147">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Search" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/high-quality-products-services/search" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/high-quality-products-services/search" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/746059">Search</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Examination" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/high-quality-products-services/examination" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/high-quality-products-services/examination" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/746062">Examination</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Opposition" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/high-quality-products-services/opposition" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/high-quality-products-services/opposition" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/746065">Opposition</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Continuous improvement" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/high-quality-products-services/continual-improvement" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/high-quality-products-services/continual-improvement" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/850792">Continuous improvement</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Quality through networking" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/quality-through-networking" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Quality through networking" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Quality through networking </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/quality-through-networking" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/quality-through-networking" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/742153">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="User engagement" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/quality-through-networking/user-engagement" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/quality-through-networking/user-engagement" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/746107">User engagement</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Co-operation" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/quality-through-networking/cooperation" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/quality-through-networking/cooperation" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/746110">Co-operation</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="User satisfaction survey" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/quality-through-networking/surveys" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/quality-through-networking/surveys" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/746113">User satisfaction survey</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Stakeholder Quality Assurance Panels" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/quality-through-networking/sqap" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/quality-through-networking/sqap" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/746116">Stakeholder Quality Assurance Panels</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Patent Quality Charter" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/charter" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/charter" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447418">Patent Quality Charter</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Quality Action Plan 2024" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/quality-action-plan-2024" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/quality-action-plan-2024" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1106930">Quality Action Plan 2024</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Quality dashboard" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/quality-dashboard" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/quality-dashboard" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1103676">Quality dashboard</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Statistics" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/statistics" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Statistics" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Statistics </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/statistics" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/statistics" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/744136">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Search" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/statistics/search" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/statistics/search" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/744142">Search</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Examination" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/statistics/examination" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/statistics/examination" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/744148">Examination</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Opposition" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/statistics/opposition" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/statistics/opposition" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/744151">Opposition</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Integrated management at the EPO" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/integrated-management-epo" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/integrated-management-epo" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1175106">Integrated management at the EPO</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Consulting our users" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/consulting-our-users" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Consulting our users" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Consulting our users </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/consulting-our-users" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/consulting-our-users" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447430">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Standing Advisory Committee before the EPO (SACEPO)" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/consulting-our-users/sacepo" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Standing Advisory Committee before the EPO (SACEPO)" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Standing Advisory Committee before the EPO (SACEPO) </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/consulting-our-users/sacepo" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/consulting-our-users/sacepo" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/829624">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Objectives" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/Consultingourusers/sacepo/objectives" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/Consultingourusers/sacepo/objectives" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447436">Objectives</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="SACEPO and its working parties" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/Consultingourusers/sacepo/members" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/Consultingourusers/sacepo/members" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447439">SACEPO and its working parties</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Meetings" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/Consultingourusers/sacepo/agenda" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/Consultingourusers/sacepo/agenda" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447442">Meetings</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Single Access Portal – SACEPO Area" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/Consultingourusers/sacepo/delegates" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/Consultingourusers/sacepo/delegates" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447445">Single Access Portal – SACEPO Area</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Surveys" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/consulting-our-users/surveys" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Surveys" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Surveys </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/consulting-our-users/surveys" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/consulting-our-users/surveys" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447565">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Detailed methodology" data-url="/en/service-support/contact-us/surveys/patent-filings/methodology" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/service-support/contact-us/surveys/patent-filings/methodology" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447583">Detailed methodology</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Search services" data-url="/en/service-support/contact-us/surveys/search" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/service-support/contact-us/surveys/search" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447568">Search services</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Examination services, final actions and publication" data-url="/en/service-support/contact-us/surveys/examination" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/service-support/contact-us/surveys/examination" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447571">Examination services, final actions and publication</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Opposition services" data-url="/en/service-support/contact-us/surveys/opposition" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/service-support/contact-us/surveys/opposition" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447574">Opposition services</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Customer services" data-url="/en/service-support/contact-us/surveys/customer-services" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/service-support/contact-us/surveys/customer-services" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447595">Customer services</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Filing services" data-url="/en/service-support/contact-us/surveys/filing" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/service-support/contact-us/surveys/filing" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/558658">Filing services</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Website" data-url="/en/service-support/contact-us/surveys/website" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/service-support/contact-us/surveys/website" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447598">Website</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Archive" data-url="/en/service-support/contact-us/surveys/patent-filings/archive" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/service-support/contact-us/surveys/patent-filings/archive" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447586">Archive</a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Our user service charter" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/servicecharter" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/servicecharter" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447421">Our user service charter</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="European and international co-operation" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/international-european-cooperation" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu European and international co-operation" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> European and international co-operation </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/international-european-cooperation" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/international-european-cooperation" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323308">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Co-operation with member states" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/international-european-cooperation/member-states" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Co-operation with member states" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Co-operation with member states </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/international-european-cooperation/member-states" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/international-european-cooperation/member-states" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447448">Overview</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Bilateral co-operation with non-member states" 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data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1092631">Key trend</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Origin" data-url="/en/about-us/statistics/patent-index-2023/statistics-and-indicators/european-patent-applications/origin" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/statistics/patent-index-2023/statistics-and-indicators/european-patent-applications/origin" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1092632">Origin</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Top 10 technical fields" data-url="/en/about-us/statistics/patent-index-2023/statistics-and-indicators/european-patent-applications/top-10-technical-fields" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Top 10 technical fields" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Top 10 technical fields </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Digital communication" data-url="/en/about-us/statistics/patent-index-2023/statistics-and-indicators/european-patent-applications/top-10-technical-fields/digital-communication" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/statistics/patent-index-2023/statistics-and-indicators/european-patent-applications/top-10-technical-fields/digital-communication" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1088109">Digital communication</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Medical technology" data-url="/en/about-us/statistics/patent-index-2023/statistics-and-indicators/european-patent-applications/top-10-technical-fields/medical-technology" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/statistics/patent-index-2023/statistics-and-indicators/european-patent-applications/top-10-technical-fields/medical-technology" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1088110">Medical technology</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Computer technology" data-url="/en/about-us/statistics/patent-index-2023/statistics-and-indicators/european-patent-applications/top-10-technical-fields/computer-technology" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/statistics/patent-index-2023/statistics-and-indicators/european-patent-applications/top-10-technical-fields/computer-technology" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1088111">Computer technology</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Electrical machinery, apparatus, energy" data-url="/en/about-us/statistics/patent-index-2023/statistics-and-indicators/european-patent-applications/top-10-technical-fields/electrical-machinery" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/statistics/patent-index-2023/statistics-and-indicators/european-patent-applications/top-10-technical-fields/electrical-machinery" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1088112">Electrical machinery, apparatus, energy</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Measurement" data-url="/en/about-us/statistics/patent-index-2023/statistics-and-indicators/european-patent-applications/top-10-technical-fields/measurement" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/statistics/patent-index-2023/statistics-and-indicators/european-patent-applications/top-10-technical-fields/measurement" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1088113">Measurement</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Transport" data-url="/en/about-us/statistics/patent-index-2023/statistics-and-indicators/european-patent-applications/top-10-technical-fields/transport" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/statistics/patent-index-2023/statistics-and-indicators/european-patent-applications/top-10-technical-fields/transport" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1088758">Transport</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Pharmaceuticals" data-url="/en/about-us/statistics/patent-index-2023/statistics-and-indicators/european-patent-applications/top-10-technical-fields/pharmaceuticals" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/statistics/patent-index-2023/statistics-and-indicators/european-patent-applications/top-10-technical-fields/pharmaceuticals" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1088759">Pharmaceuticals</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Biotechnology" data-url="/en/about-us/statistics/patent-index-2023/statistics-and-indicators/european-patent-applications/top-10-technical-fields/biotechnology" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/statistics/patent-index-2023/statistics-and-indicators/european-patent-applications/top-10-technical-fields/biotechnology" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1088760">Biotechnology</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Other special machines" data-url="/en/about-us/statistics/patent-index-2023/statistics-and-indicators/european-patent-applications/top-10-technical-fields/other-special-machines" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/statistics/patent-index-2023/statistics-and-indicators/european-patent-applications/top-10-technical-fields/other-special-machines" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1088761">Other special machines</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Organic fine chemistry" 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data-title="Applicants" data-url="/en/about-us/statistics/patent-index-2023/statistics-and-indicators/applicants" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Applicants" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Applicants </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Top 50" data-url="/en/about-us/statistics/patent-index-2023/statistics-and-indicators/applicants/top-50" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/statistics/patent-index-2023/statistics-and-indicators/applicants/top-50" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1092636">Top 50</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Categories" data-url="/en/about-us/statistics/patent-index-2023/statistics-and-indicators/applicants/categories" 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class="nav-item" data-title="Designations" data-url="/en/about-us/statistics/patent-index-2023/statistics-and-indicators/granted-patents/designations" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/statistics/patent-index-2023/statistics-and-indicators/granted-patents/designations" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1092640">Designations</a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Data to download" data-url="/en/about-us/statistics/data-download" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/statistics/data-download" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1111457">Data to download</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="EPO Data Hub" data-url="/en/about-us/statistics/epo-data-hub" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/statistics/epo-data-hub" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447514">EPO Data Hub</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Clarification on data sources" data-url="/en/about-us/statistics/clarification-data-sources" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/statistics/clarification-data-sources" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447517">Clarification on data sources</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="History" data-url="/en/about-us/timeline" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu History" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> History </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/about-us/timeline" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/timeline" 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data-drupal-link-system-path="node/285046">Let&#039;s talk about art</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Artists" data-url="/en/about-us/art/collection" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/art/collection" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/285031">Artists</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Media library" data-url="/en/about-us/art/art-film" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/art/art-film" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/285055">Media library</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="What&#039;s on" data-url="/en/about-us/art/whats-on" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/art/whats-on" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/285049">What&#039;s on</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Publications" data-url="/en/about-us/art/publications" 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data-title="Catalyst lab &amp; Deep vision" data-url="/en/about-us/art/50-years-epc-exhibition/catalyst-lab-curated-ars-electronica" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Catalyst lab &amp; Deep vision" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Catalyst lab &amp; Deep vision </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Irene Sauter (DE)" data-url="/en/about-us/art/50-years-epc-exhibition/catalyst-lab-curated-ars-electronica/fragment-927" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/art/50-years-epc-exhibition/catalyst-lab-curated-ars-electronica/fragment-927" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1222041">Irene Sauter (DE)</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="AVPD (DK)" data-url="/en/about-us/art/50-years-epc-exhibition/catalyst-lab-curated-ars-electronica/transparency-blackyellowblack" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/art/50-years-epc-exhibition/catalyst-lab-curated-ars-electronica/transparency-blackyellowblack" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1222042">AVPD (DK)</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Jan Robert Leegte (NL)" data-url="/en/about-us/art/50-years-epc-exhibition/catalyst-lab-curated-ars-electronica/underwater-landscape-trenches-islands" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/art/50-years-epc-exhibition/catalyst-lab-curated-ars-electronica/underwater-landscape-trenches-islands" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1222043">Jan Robert Leegte (NL)</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Jānis Dzirnieks (LV) #1" 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button --> <!-- Linkedin share button --> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https://www.epo.org/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques" target="_blank" title="Share to Linkedin" aria-label="Share to Linkedin" class="social-sharing-buttons__button" rel="noopener"> <svg width=20px height=20px style=border-radius:3px;> <use href="/modules/contrib/better_social_sharing_buttons/assets/dist/sprites/social-icons--square.svg#linkedin" /> </svg> Linkedin </a> <!-- Digg share button --> <!-- StumbleUpon share button --> <!-- Slashdot share button --> <!-- Tumblr share button --> <!-- Reddit share button --> <!-- Evernote share button --> <!-- Email share button --> <a href="mailto:?subject=Communiqu%C3%A9s&body=https://www.epo.org/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques" title="Share to E-mail" aria-label="Share to E-mail" class="social-sharing-buttons__button" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <svg width=20px height=20px style=border-radius:3px;> <use 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class="lc-inline_container-section-edit"> <div class="row lc-container-cols lc-inline_row-edit"> <div class="lc-inline_column_first-edit layoutcomponent-column col-sm-12 col-md-12 col-lg-12" style="z-index: 1"> <div data-region="first" class="layout-builder__region js-layout-builder-region lc-inline_column_first-content-edit"> <div class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodepagebody"> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p><a class="icon-link_anchor" href="#SC/32"><span><span><span>32nd meeting of the Select Committee of the Administrative Council held in Munich (9 and 10 October 2024)</span></span></span></a></p> <p><a class="icon-link_anchor" href="#AC/180"><span><span><span><span><span><span>180th meeting of the Administrative Council of the European Patent Organisation (Munich, 10 and 11 October 2024)</span></span></span></span></span></span></a></p> <p><a class="icon-link_anchor" href="#AC/179"><span><span><span><span><span><span>179th meeting of the Administrative Council of the European Patent Organisation (Munich, 27 and 28 June 2024)</span></span></span></span></span></span></a></p> <p><a class="icon-link_anchor" href="#SC/31"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>31st meeting of the Select Committee of the Administrative Council held in Munich </span></span></span></span><span lang="DE"><span><span><span>(Munich, 21 March 2024)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a></p> <p><a class="icon-link_anchor" href="#AC/178"><span><span><span><span>178th meeting of the Administrative Council of the European Patent Organisation (Munich, 19-20 March 2024)</span></span></span></span></a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <hr> <p><span><span><span><a id="SC/32" name="SC/32"></a>Munich, 10 October 2024</span></span></span></p> <h3><span><span><span><strong>32nd meeting of the Select Committee of the Administrative Council held in Munich (9 and 10 October 2024)</strong></span></span></span></h3> <p><span><span><span>The Select Committee of the European Patent Organisation held its 32nd meeting in Munich on 9 and 10 October 2024 under its Chairperson Mr Jérôme DEBRULLE (BE).</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>The Committee unanimously elected Mr Paul VAN BEUKERING (NL) as chairperson of the Select Committee of the Administrative Council and unanimously re-elected Ms Simona MARZETTI (IT) as deputy chairperson for a renewable three-year term of office, effective as of 27&nbsp;March 2025. It also unanimously decided to admit the Unified Patent Court (UPC) as an observer.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>The Committee then noted the update by the Registrar of the UPC, Mr Alexander RAMSAY, on the latest UPC developments and achievements to date.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>The Office provided an update on the status of the operational and financial aspects of the Unitary Patent system for 2023 and the first half of 2024, emphasising the system’s popularity among users, as reflected by some 40 000 requests for unitary effect to date, and highlighting the constant increase throughout 2024 in the uptake rate, which had risen to 24.8% by the time of the meeting. Romania’s accession on 1&nbsp;September&nbsp;2024 marked the beginning of the second generation of Unitary Patents. Current figures indicate that most requests are coming from proprietors in EPC contracting states, with a significant proportion from SMEs and research centres. The Committee also noted the reports on the distribution of fees in Q1 and Q2 2024, showing a 20% higher than expected increase in overall fee income, and the application of the safety net mechanism for 2023 and the provisional settlement for 2024.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>The Committee then gave a unanimous favourable opinion on the draft statement of income and expenditure with regard to the implementation of the tasks relating to Unitary Patent protection in 2025.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Furthermore, the Committee received an update from the Office and the European Commission regarding their respective communication and promotional activities undertaken since the Committee’s previous meeting.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>After an exchange of views on the implementation of the 14th package of EU sanctions against Russia in procedures related to the Unitary Patent, the Committee gave a unanimous favourable opinion on the proposed amendment of Rule&nbsp;5(2) UPR and requested that a draft decision be submitted as soon as possible for its approval in a written procedure.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Lastly the Committee noted the request by the Office to member states to inform it of any changes to the national measures relating to the Unitary Patent as soon as they become available.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>In closing, the Committee noted that its next meeting would take place in March 2025.</span></span></span></p> <p class="paragraph"><span><span><span>Council Secretariat</span></span></span></p> <hr> <p class="paragraph"><span><span><span><span><span><span><a id="AC/180" name="AC/180"></a>Munich, 11 October 2024</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <h3 class="paragraph"><span><span><span><span><strong><span><span>180th meeting of the Administrative Council of the European Patent Organisation (Munich, 10 and 11 October 2024</span></span></strong><span><span>)</span></span></span></span></span></span></h3> <p class="paragraph"><span><span><span><span><span><span>The Administrative Council of the European Patent Organisation held its 180th meeting in Munich in a hybrid format on 10 and 11 October 2024 under its Chairperson Josef KRATOCHVÍL (CZ).</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="paragraph"><span><span><span><span><span><span>After the Chairperson's activities report, the Council noted the Office’s comprehensive</span></span> <span><span>quarterly </span></span><span><span>activities report, </span></span><span><span>which highlighted the developments of the five drivers under the SP2028, as well as the dedicated update on the Office’s digital transformation journey through the IT programmes and pipelines.</span></span> <span><span>The Council welcomed the Office’s achievements, including </span></span><span><span>the multifaceted approach to quality, record productivity, comprehensive engagement with users, and the availability of quantitative and qualitative data through KPIs. Regarding digital transformation, the emphasis on lean governance, simplification and humancentric use of AI was also welcomed.</span></span><span><span> Further, the Council also noted the management report of the President of the Boards of Appeal (PBoA) for 2024, including the achievement of the objective of settling 90% of appeals within 30 months, and warmly thanked the Boards of Appeal staff for their excellent results.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="paragraph"><span><span><span><span><span><span>The Council decided to re-elect Mr Josef KRATOCHVÍL as its Chairperson for another term of three years, with effect from 1 January 2025. Furthermore, the Council also took a number of decisions on individual appointments and decided to </span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <ul> <li class="paragraph"> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>elect Stefan HARASEK (AT) as Deputy Chairperson of the Committee on Patent Law; </span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </li> <li class="paragraph"> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>re-appoint Mr Tom FEARNLEY (NO), Ms Hélène DUBOIS (FR) and Ms Margaret FROST (UK) as respectively deputy Chairperson, external member and alternate external member of the Supervisory Board of the Reserve Funds for Pensions and Social Security (RFPSS); </span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </li> <li class="paragraph"> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>re-appoint Ms Valeria FALCE and Mr Eero MANTERE as members of the Appeals Committee. </span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </li> </ul> <p class="paragraph"><span><span><span><span><span><span>The Council also decided on the appointment, reappointment and career progression of members of the Boards of Appeal and of the Enlarged Board of Appeal, based on proposals by the P</span></span><span><span>BoA</span></span><span><span>.&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="paragraph"><span><span><span><span><span><span>Furthermore, the Council decided to take the necessary steps to extend the term of office of a member of the Board of Auditors, Mr. Hannes SCHUH (AT) for a period of 2 years and to take a decision in that regard at its December meeting.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span>The Council unanimously adopted the draft decision inviting Bosnia and Herzegovina to accede to the European Patent Convention. It also authorised the President of the EPO to open negotiations on a validation agreement with the Republic of Djibouti on behalf of the European Patent </span><span>Organisation and to conclude the validation agreement with the Republic of Costa Rica.</span></span></span></span></p> <p class="minutespoint"><span><span><span><span><span><span>With regard to building matters, the Council gave a favourable opinion on the project proposals in The Hague, welcoming&nbsp;</span></span><span><span>the&nbsp;optimisation of office space and energy consumption and the Office’s long term financial sustainability</span></span><span><span>.</span></span> </span></span></span></span></p> <p class="paragraph"><span><span><span><span><span><span>Turning to personnel matters, the Council unanimously adopted the review of the conditions of employment for the Office’s interpreters, welcoming the long-term and cost-effective solution developed by the Office. </span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="SNNormal"><span><span><span><span><span><span>The Council noted the reports from the chairpersons of its various bodies on their recent meetings, namely of the Boards of Appeal Committee and the Committee on Patent Law. In particular, the Council noted the report of the Chairperson of the Committee on Patent Law on its 60th meeting, including the exchange of views on the implementation of the 14th package of EU sanctions against Russia in EPC procedures. </span></span></span><span><span>The Council also noted the presentation by the Office on the possible options for implementing the sanctions and requested the Office to continue the discussions at the November meeting of the Committee on Patent Law. Implementation in the Unitary Patent procedure was addressed by t</span></span><span><span><span>he Chairperson of the Select Committee, reporting on its latest meeting.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="paragraph"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Finally, the Council was updated about the latest Unitary Patent developments by the Office and by the delegation of Hungary – the country holding the Presidency of the EU Council in the second half of 2024 – on its activities.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="paragraph"><span><span><span><span><span><span>Council Secretariat</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <hr> <p class="paragraph"><span><span><span><span><span><span><a id="AC/179" name="AC/179"></a>Munich, 28 June 2024</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <h3 class="paragraph"><span><span><span><span><strong><span><span>179th meeting of the Administrative Council of the European Patent Organisation (Munich, 27 and 28 June 2024</span></span></strong><span><span>)</span></span></span></span></span></span></h3> <p class="paragraph"><span><span><span><span><span><span>The Administrative Council of the European Patent Organisation held its 179th meeting in Munich in a hybrid format on 27 and 28 June 2024 under its Chairperson Josef KRATOCHVÍL (CZ).</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="paragraph"><span><span><span><span><span><span>After the Chairperson's activities report, the Council noted the Office’s comprehensive</span></span><span><span> Annual Review report complemented by a video highlighting the Office’s continued progress over 2023</span></span><span><span>. <span>The main activities and major achievements of 2023 were presented, </span>which included the 50-year celebrations,</span></span><span> the </span><span><span>entry into operations of </span></span><span>the </span><span><span>Unitary Patent system, a review of</span></span><span> the </span><span><span>EPO’s fee policy, and the launch of the Observatory, marking a year defined by quality, inclusivity, co-operation and growth</span></span><span><span>. The Council congratulated the President and the staff on the results and welcomed the focus placed on quality and sustainability.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="paragraph"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>The Office reported on the EPO Staff Survey 2024 results and received a favourable opinion on the lightly adjusted New Ways of Working policy. The Council also adopted the policy on the secondment of national experts (SNEs), </span></span></span><span><span>having noted the report evaluating the two-year SNE pilot project launched in 2022<span>. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="minutespoint"><span><span><span><span><span><span>The Council, as part of the modernisation of the EPO’s external governance proposed by the Chairperson,<em> </em>unanimously<em> </em>adopted a Code of Conduct on the prevention and management of conflicts of interest for the Administrative Council of the European Patent Organisation. In closed session, the Council adopted the decisions laying down the rules for appointing and reappointing, and extending the term of office of the President and Vice-Presidents of the European Patent Office and related amendments to its Rules of Procedure (RoP). The Council also noted the request from Bosnia and Herzegovina to be invited to accede to the EPC. </span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="minutespoint"><span><span><span><span><span><span>The Council further noted the catalogue of co-operation projects under SP2028. </span></span>It also authorised the President to open negotiations on validation agreements with the United Mexican States, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, and the Republic of Panama.&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></p> <p class="paragraph"><span><span><span><span><span><span>Further, the Council decided on the appointment, reappointment and career progression of members of the Boards of Appeal and of the Enlarged Board of Appeal, based on proposals by the President of the Boards of Appeal.&nbsp;It unanimously decided to appoint Mr&nbsp;Alexander&nbsp;PFISTER (CH) as member and to renew the term of office of Mr&nbsp;Colin&nbsp;BIRSS&nbsp;(GB) as external member of the Boards of Appeal Committee.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="paragraph"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Finally, the Council noted the reports from the chairpersons of its various advisory bodies on their recent meetings, namely of the Technical and Operational Support Committee, Supervisory Board of the Reserve Funds for Pensions and Social Security, Budget and Finance Committee and the Select Committee. The Council was updated by the Office on the Unitary Patent, and informed &nbsp;by the delegations of Belgium and Hungary (the countries </span></span>holding the Presidency of the EU Council in 2024, until 30 June&nbsp;<span>and as of 1 July <span>respectively), about the latest developments, progress, and priorities on the Unitary Patent and the EU patent package, notably as regards unitary SPCs.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="paragraph"><span><span><span><span><span><span>Council Secretariat&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <hr> <p><span><a id="SC/31" name="SC/31"></a>Munich, 21 March 2024</span></p> <h3><span><span><span><strong><span><span><span><span>31st meeting of the Select Committee of the Administrative Council held in Munich (21 March 2024)</span></span></span></span></strong></span></span></span></h3> <p><span><span><span><span><span>The Select Committee of the European Patent Organisation held its 31st meeting in Munich on 21 March 2024 under its Chairperson Mr Jérôme DEBRULLE (BE).</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>The Committee firstly noted the update by the Registrar of the Unified Patent Court (UPC), Mr Alexander Ramsay, on the latest UPC developments and its achievements to date. It also welcomed the information on the signing of the Seat agreement by the Italian government with regard to both the local division and the future Central division in Milan. Further, it welcomed the progress being made by Romania and Ireland, with the former soon to join UPC as its 18th member. The Committee then noted BUSINESSEUROPE’s concerns regarding Supplementary Protection Certificates (SPCs).</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>The Office gave an update on the status of the operational and financial aspects of the UP system, highlighting in particular the milestone just achieved, namely the registration of more than 22 000 Unitary Patents. At the time of the meeting, the uptake rate stood at 23.5%, </span>&nbsp;<span><span><span>up from </span></span></span><span><span><span>22.3% during the second semester of</span></span></span><span><span><span> 2023</span></span></span><span>, operations were running smoothly, and financial monitoring indicated that the UPP fee income for 2023 exceeded projections by 36% while costs were as projected. </span><span>The Committee congratulated the Office on the successful implementation of the UPP.</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>Finally, the Committee was provided with a comprehensive update by the Office on the communication and promotional activities carried out since its last meeting, with a particular focus on the upcoming first anniversary of the UPP. The European Commission also gave an update on its ongoing efforts concerning UPP-related communication activities, and was invited to provide regular reports to the Committee. </span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>The Committee noted the state of play presented by the Office on the national measures accompanying the implementation of the UPP and the request by the Office to the member states participating in the UPP to promptly provide any updates on these measures as they become available. Furthermore, the Committee noted epi’s intervention on a technical issue related to the maintenance of the Unitary Patent register, in particular in relation to the address of the applicant on the date of filing, and the Office’s statement that the issue had been solved in the meantime.</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>In closing, the Committee noted that its next meeting would take place in October 2024.</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>Council Secretariat</span></span></span></span></span></p> <hr> <p><span>Munich, 19-20 March 2024</span></p> <h3><span><span><strong><span><span><a id="AC/178" name="AC/178"></a>178th meeting of the Administrative Council of the European Patent Organisation (Munich, 19-20 March 2024)</span></span></strong></span></span></h3> <p><span><span><span>The Administrative Council of the European Patent Organisation held its 178th meeting in Munich in a hybrid format on 19 and 20 March 2024 under its Chairperson Josef KRATOCHVÍL (CZ)</span><span> and its Deputy Chairperson, Borghildur ERLINGSD</span><span><span>Ó</span></span><span>TTIR (IS). </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>The Council was presented with a quarterly report on the Office’s activities, as well as an intermediate report on the New Ways of Working (NWoW) pilot scheme. The Council welcomed the Office’s results, highlighting the unprecedented volume of patent applications, and the achievements of the past months, including the development and improvement of IT tools, the Quality dashboard and Quality Action Plan, the continued active dialogue with users, the patent intelligence services and products, and the long-term sustainability agenda. The Council further welcomed the comprehensive intermediate report on the results achieved since the launch of NWoW in September 2022. Delegations discussed several aspects of the pilot scheme, including the flexibility it provides, the improved work life balance, quality and efficiency of the work undertaken from home, the onboarding of new staff, and the impact on organisational culture. &nbsp;</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>The Council also noted the management report of the President of the Boards of Appeal for 2023 and congratulated the Board’s staff for their excellent results.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Turning to key strategic decisions, the Council unanimously approved the Strategic Plan 2028 and the corresponding Annual Work Plan 2024. The Council praised the renewed strategic vision of SP2028, highlighting financial sustainability, the importance of digital transformation and the integration of AI tools into the patent granting process, the focus on high quality and timely products and services, the co-operation with the NPOs, the proactive focus on partnerships and the corresponding KPIs. </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>As part of the modernisation of the EPO’s external governance proposed by the Chairperson, the Council, meeting in closed session, gave a favourable opinion on a proposal regarding appointment/reappointment procedures for the President and Vice-Presidents and voting on (re)elections, (re)appointments and extensions in secret ballot, and noted that the Chairperson, working with the Board of the Administrative Council, will prepare a consolidated version to be submitted to the Council in June. Furthermore, the Council gave a unanimous favourable opinion on a proposal for a Code of Conduct for the Council. </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Regarding appointments, the Council unanimously decided to:</span></span></span></p> <ul> <li><span><span><span>re-elect Mr Antti RIIVARI&nbsp;(FI) as chairperson of the Committee on Patent Law for a term of office of three years, with effect from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2027, such term of office being renewable;</span></span></span></li> <li><span><span><span>elect Mr&nbsp;Adam&nbsp;WILLIAMS&nbsp;(GB) as member of the Board of the Administrative Council for a term of office of three years, with effect from 20 March 2024 to 19 March 2027, as well as Mr&nbsp;Agris&nbsp;BATALAUSKIS&nbsp;(LV), as member of the Board of the Administrative Council for a term of office of three years, with effect from 27 June 2024 to 26 June 2027, such terms of office being non-renewable;</span></span></span></li> <li><span><span><span>re-appoint Mr Julyan ELBRO&nbsp;(GB) as alternate member of the Boards of Appeal Committee for a term of office of three years, with effect from 23 March 2024 to 22 March 2027, such term of office being renewable or extendable.</span></span></span></li> </ul> <p><span><span><span>The Council also decided on the appointment and re-appointment of members of the Boards of Appeal, based on proposals by the President of the Boards of Appeal.&nbsp;</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>As regards legal and international affairs, the Council:</span></span></span></p> <ul> <li><span><span><span>unanimously approved two recommendations, namely one for a common practice as regards allowable features in drawings and the other for a common practice as regards issuing and accepting electronic priority documents;</span></span></span></li> <li><span><span><span>unanimously authorised the President to conclude a validation agreement between the Lao People's Democratic Republic and the European Patent Organisation, and to open negotiations on a validation agreement with the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. </span></span></span></li> </ul> <p><span><span><span>As regards building matters, the Council noted the information on the new premises of the EPO sub-office in Berlin provided by the Office and by the head of the German delegation, and welcomed the steps announced as regards the completion of that important project within the timeframe foreseen.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Furthermore, the Council noted the reports of the respective Chairpersons of the Committee on Patent Law, and of the Boards of Appeal Committee respectively.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>Finally, an update on Unitary Patent protection was presented by the Office, by the Belgian delegation, Belgium being the country to hold the presidency of the Council of the European Union for the first half of 2024, and by the Chairperson of the Select Committee. 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