Protecting your idea

<!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="At some point you must legally protect your intellectual property (IP) or you will not be able to: Disclose it safely. Be recognised in law as its owner. Profit from its commercial exploitation. Prevent or discourage its unauthorised use by others. There are several forms of protection known as intellectual property rights (IPR). Usually, the best way to protect an invention as it evolves is to use a strategic combination of IPR. " /> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.epo.org/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/inventors-handbook/protecting-your-idea" /> <meta name="title_content" content="Protecting your idea" class="elastic" /> <meta name="body" content="<p>At some point you&nbsp;<strong>must</strong>&nbsp;legally protect your intellectual property (IP) or you will not be able to:</p> <ul> <li>Disclose it safely.</li> <li>Be recognised in law as its owner.</li> <li>Profit from its commercial exploitation.</li> <li>Prevent or discourage its unauthorised use by others.</li> </ul> <p>There are several forms of protection known as&nbsp;<strong>intellectual property rights</strong>&nbsp;(IPR). Usually, the best way to protect an invention as it evolves is to use a strategic combination of IPR.&nbsp;</p> <p>Many inventors assume that the&nbsp;<strong>only</strong>&nbsp;way to protect their idea is to patent it. While patents tend to be of primary importance (see&nbsp;<strong>The patenting process&nbsp;</strong>later), other forms of IPR should also be considered. One or more of these may have an important role to play in protecting your idea.</p> <h2>Patent attorneys</h2> <p>Another important role will be played by your&nbsp;<strong>patent attorney</strong>. IPR is a complex area of law that holds many dangers for inexperienced inventors. A patent attorney's advice will be helpful when you are planning an effective IP protection strategy, and&nbsp;<strong>essential</strong>&nbsp;if you decide to patent your idea.</p> <p>Despite their name, patent attorneys are usually experts in all forms of IPR. They can improve your chances of obtaining worthwhile protection for your idea, and can act for you when problems arise.</p> <p>Your patent attorney should be able to advise you fully on IP matters in your own country and all of Europe. For IP matters outside Europe, most patent attorney firms in your own country will be able to act for you, or arrange representation, in any country.</p> <p>However, it is important to understand that&nbsp;<strong>no patent attorney can ensure that your IPR will bring you any financial reward</strong>. The expertise of patent attorneys is restricted to IP law. You or your team of other experts must take responsibility for the&nbsp;<strong>commercial&nbsp;</strong>success of your invention.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <dl class="ckeditor-accordion"> <dt>Forms of IPR</dt> <dd> <h2>Confidential information and non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)</h2> <p>Although not covered by any statutory IPRs, confidential information is closely related to, and often regarded as, intellectual property.&nbsp;</p> <p>The most common form of protection for confidential information is a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). An NDA can protect you by documenting someone's promise not to use or pass on information about your idea. Anyone who breaks the terms of an NDA risks legal action.</p> <p>NDAs can help to protect you at every stage of the development of your idea - no matter what other forms of IPR you have, and even long after your invention is on the market.</p> <p>You can find many free examples of NDAs on the internet. It may however be wise to seek the advice of a patent attorney when constructing your own version.</p> <p>Your main problem is likely to be persuading other people to sign your NDA. Many large companies take the view that NDAs only have a use when they are seriously interested in an idea. That can only be&nbsp;<strong>after</strong>&nbsp;they know what it is! (To overcome this problem, train yourself to communicate the&nbsp;<strong>business benefits</strong>&nbsp;of your idea without disclosing its novel aspects.)</p> <p>NDAs are widely used in all forms of business, so you should certainly consider using them yourself. But remember that they are binding legal agreements, and use them only when<strong>&nbsp;both parties&nbsp;</strong>accept that significant disclosure is necessary.</p> <p>In addition, NDAs can only restrain others from disclosing or exploiting&nbsp;<strong>specific and unique secrets which they get only from you</strong>. Any information that is&nbsp;<strong>already general knowledge</strong>&nbsp;is free for anyone to continue using, regardless of the NDA. Similarly, if the confidential information covered by the NDA later becomes public knowledge by some other means, then the original parties to the NDA will no longer be bound by it.</p> <h2>Know-how</h2> <p>Know-how is undocumented information known only to you. It is similar to trade secrets. Without your know-how, others may find it difficult or unrewarding to exploit your idea. For example, you may know how to reduce production costs significantly by using conventional equipment in an unconventional way.</p> <p>Know-how can be commercially valuable, and can be included in licensing agreements. However, genuinely valuable know-how is rare. There is also no way of registering it and its theft - usually by employees or associates - can be hard to establish.</p> <p>Furthermore, if your know-how is information that ought to be included in a patent, you may risk invalidating the patent by leaving it out.&nbsp;<strong>You should always seek the advice of a patent attorney when considering what to treat as know-how</strong>.</p> <h2>Copyright</h2> <p>Copyright protects for many years against the unauthorised&nbsp;<strong>copying or adapting</strong>&nbsp;of drawn, written or photographic descriptions of your idea.&nbsp; It does not protect the idea itself, but in some cases - for example computer code - may be the only effective way of protecting your IP.</p> <p>Copyright arises automatically and is free. It is important because it can easily establish dates of origin of an idea, or of changes to an idea. However, it gives you no protection against someone who independently comes up with the same or a similar idea. A competitor may say that their idea is similar to yours by coincidence, or that your idea is a copy of theirs. How can your prove that your idea was the original?</p> <p>The following steps may help you to prove that you are the copyright owner in a later dispute:</p> <ul> <li>Make written descriptions, drawings, photos etc of your idea and print them out or perhaps burn them to a CD or DVD.</li> <li>Place your documents or disc in a securely sealed envelope bearing a signed&nbsp;<strong>and dated</strong>&nbsp;statement from an independent witness, certifying that the envelope was sealed on the date when he or she examined it.</li> <li>Send the envelope by registered mail to yourself or a place of safe keeping, and keep the&nbsp;<strong>clearly</strong>&nbsp;<strong>dated</strong>&nbsp;postage receipt.</li> <li>The envelope must remain unopened until required by a court of law. (It may be advisable to have more than one envelope, in case your copyright claim is tested more than once. An opened envelope is no longer valid as proof of copyright.)</li> </ul> <h2>Unregistered design right (UDR)</h2> <p>In the EU, unregistered design right (UDR) protects the&nbsp;<strong>outward appearance</strong>&nbsp;of a product, including its shape, pattern, texture and decorations. In some national UDR laws (for example, the UK) internal configurations may be protected even if these are invisible to the user.</p> <p>UDR is similar to copyright in that it is free and gives you a right to prevent unauthorised copying for a number of years. However, there is no official design right register and so it can be difficult for others to know of your design.</p> <p>UDR may protect those features of the design which are new, have an individual character, and which come from a ‘freedom' of design. It may&nbsp;<strong>not</strong>&nbsp;protect copied or routine designs; those which are immediately suggestive of other designs; and those parts of a design which are dictated by functional needs to fit or match with other components. For example, a novel wing tea pot can be shaped in many different ways, and so can be protected because the designer has exercised his or her design ‘freedom'. But a vehicle brake pad can only have one shape if it is to fit in the brake callipers. It therefore has no design ‘freedom' and so no protection.</p> <p>UDR arises automatically when the design is created, but you should follow the same ‘sealed envelope' procedure described above for copyright to provide yourself with evidence of a priority date.<strong>&nbsp;</strong>This is because you can only take legal action against someone when you can prove that they must have copied your design, rather than made something similar by coincidence.</p> <p>Though often useful as part of an IPR strategy, UDR on its own will not protect most inventions.</p> <h2>Design registration</h2> <p>More robust protection for designs comes through formal registration, which can last up to 25 years. Applications can be made to most national IP offices, or to the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) where a single application can be registered for the whole of the European Community.</p> <p>The same criteria apply as for UDR: to be validly registered the design must be new, have ‘individual character' and be the result of a ‘freedom' of design. A single registration may protect patterns, ornaments, decorations and logos which are suitable for application across a range of articles (for example, a floral design applied to table linen, bedding, curtains, crockery etc).</p> <p>You can take action against anyone who makes, sells, uses or imports articles which look like the article registered. Unlike UDR, there is no need to prove that another design was copied from yours - you only need to prove that it looks similar.&nbsp; Even designs which are similar by accident can be challenged by the owner of a registered design.</p> <p>The application process is fast and relatively cheap, but design registration usually only makes sense if the outward appearance of your invention is going to be a strong selling feature.</p> <h2>Trade mark</h2> <p>A trade mark can be a word, slogan, logo or combination that distinguishes your product or business from others. Trade marks can be valid indefinitely if correctly used and maintained, so a trade mark associated with a popular brand name can be of enormous value to its owner.</p> <p>The granting and registration of trade marks is administered by national IP offices, to whom you apply. For multinational cover you can make a single application for&nbsp;<strong>either</strong>&nbsp;an International Trade Mark under the Madrid system at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO),&nbsp;<strong>or</strong>&nbsp;a Community Trade Mark (for protection in the EU) at the EUIPO. To avoid problems, you will probably need help from a trade mark attorney. (Many patent attorneys are also trade mark attorneys.)</p> <p>Trade marks do not protect ideas, or products per se. But if you want to market your own invention, a trade mark could be a very worthwhile long-term investment. It might eventually become your most valuable form of IPR.</p> <h2>Patent</h2> <p>Patent systems exist in most countries and their purpose is to encourage the development of new technologies. A patent is a form of legal monopoly - the right to say: ‘This is mine and you cannot use it without paying me' - which governments grant in return for public disclosure of ideas.&nbsp;<strong>And that is all it is</strong>.</p> <p>It is important to understand what a patent can and cannot do. Patenting your idea will not necessarily increase its commercial value. If no one wants your invention, a patent is unlikely to make any difference. But if your invention has commercial potential, a patent may be your only way of ensuring that you can benefit financially from it.&nbsp;<strong>Many inventors of commercially successful products acknowledge that they owe their financial rewards almost entirely to strong patent protection</strong>.</p> <p>The cost and complexity of patenting can be a problem for many inventors. Therefore, a decision to apply for a patent should never be taken without careful consideration of several factors (see later). You should ideally seek the advice of a patent attorney before making your decision.</p> <p>If you decide to go ahead, you should let a patent attorney represent you during the lengthy, complicated and rigorous application process. If you do not use a patent attorney, you run a large risk of making mistakes which could leave you with no effective patent protection. There may then be little prospect of ever benefiting from your invention.</p> <p>In general, patents last for 20 years but only if annual renewal fees are paid.</p> </dd> <dt>The patenting process</dt> <dd> <p>An invention is patentable only if it is:</p> <ul> <li>New and previously undisclosed.</li> <li>Distinguished by an inventive step not obvious to someone expert in that technology.</li> <li>Capable of industrial application - that is, it is physically possible to make the invention.</li> </ul> <p>Computer software&nbsp;<strong>on its own</strong>&nbsp;can be protected by copyright but not by patents in Europe. However, an invention that is implemented on computers by means of software - for example, an improved data handling system - is patentable in Europe.&nbsp;<strong>You will certainly need the advice of a patent attorney when patenting inventions which are run on computers</strong>&nbsp;because practice can differ between Europe and the USA.</p> <p>Business methods may be patentable in the USA but not easily patentable elsewhere.</p> <p>Always seek advice from a patent attorney if you have concerns about whether your idea is patentable.</p> <h2>Some issues to consider before deciding to patent</h2> <p>(See also&nbsp;<strong>Patenting strategy</strong>&nbsp;later.)</p> <ul> <li>Do you really need a patent? Would some combination of other forms of IPR protect your idea adequately? And be honest with yourself - are you perhaps motivated more by vanity (the prospect of a patent in your name) than by commercial necessity?</li> <li>Have you studied the total cost of patenting (which should include annual renewal fees in every country in which you have protection)? Is your invention likely to earn enough income to justify the cost? Normally, you should not apply for a patent until you have thoroughly researched the commercial and financial potential of your idea.</li> <li>Is the time right to apply for a patent? Application starts a sequence of events which cannot be delayed. Do you apply for a patent early on, or wait until the invention is market-ready and more capable of quickly recouping its IPR costs? Later may be better than sooner, but circumstances will vary so you should always seek the advice of a patent attorney.</li> <li>Does your invention have a short product life cycle? The patenting process typically takes 3-4 years. If your invention is aimed at a highly competitive market in which products are rapidly replaced or improved, your patent may be worth little by the time it is granted.</li> <li>Who will pay to enforce your patent? National IP offices do not enforce patents or monitor them for infringement. These are the responsibilities of the patent owner or a licensee. Until funds are potentially available to enforce your patent - from royalties or sales income - it may offer limited practical protection.</li> <li>How strongly might your patent resist legal challenge? You will definitely need a patent attorney's advice on the strength of your claims. This is important because the validity of patent claims is often challenged, usually by competitors who want to copy a successful product. If they succeed, you may be left with a valueless patent&nbsp;<strong>and</strong>&nbsp;an order to pay the victor's legal costs.</li> </ul> <h2>Applying for a patent</h2> <p>Applying for a patent is a legal process governed by strict timescales and usually immovable deadlines. It is not something to rush into! To maximise your chances of a worthwhile patent you should:</p> <ul> <li>Study the application procedure in detail.</li> <li>Aim to apply not in haste, but&nbsp;<strong>strategically</strong>&nbsp;- at a time and for a reason that most benefits your exploitation plans. (See&nbsp;<strong>Patenting strategy</strong>&nbsp;below.)</li> <li>Use a patent attorney!&nbsp;<strong>Do not</strong>&nbsp;do it all yourself - the risk of making mistakes is too great.</li> </ul> <p>Here is only a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.epo.org/en/new-to-patents/how-to-apply-for-a-patent"><strong>very brief</strong>&nbsp;<strong>guide</strong></a>&nbsp;to the application process for a European Patent according to the European Patent Convention (EPC).&nbsp;</p> <p>Applying for a patent at a national IP office is roughly similar to stages 1-6 below, but an application must be made in the local language.</p> <p>Making an international application through the Patent Co-operation Treaty (PCT) involves a single procedure for stages 1-4, but 30 months after filing the application goes through stages 5 and 6 in every national or regional IP office where you wish to take up protection. For more information on the PCT see&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wipo.int/pct">www.wipo.int/pct</a>&nbsp;.</p> <p>Choosing your route for a patent application (EPC, PCT, national and regional, or combinations thereof) will depend on:</p> <ul> <li>Your invention.</li> <li>Your business plan.</li> <li>Your available funds.</li> <li>Your intended market.</li> <li>The likeliest sources of infringing products.</li> </ul> <p>A patent attorney will be able to advise you on the route that is best&nbsp;<strong>for you and your invention</strong>.</p> <h3>Stage 1&nbsp; Beginning the process</h3> <p>Your patent attorney must provide documentation consisting of:</p> <ul> <li>A request for a patent.</li> <li>Details of the applicant (you).</li> <li>A description of the invention.</li> <li>Claims.</li> <li>Drawings (if any).</li> <li>An abstract.</li> </ul> <p>A fee must also be paid. In order to avoid delay, it is vital that all documentation conforms in every detail to official requirements. Your patent attorney will ensure that it does. At the EPO, applications are accepted in English, French or German.</p> <p>For your patent attorney to prepare all the information about your invention, he or she will obviously need to work closely with you.&nbsp;<strong>Do not assume that you know best because it is your invention</strong>. You must trust the skill and judgement of your patent attorney, as patenting involves a complex mix of law and technology. The claims in particular need to be drafted with skill, as they are the most important aspect of a patent.</p> <h3>Stage 2&nbsp; Filing date and initial examination</h3> <p>If your documentation appears correct, your application is given a<strong>&nbsp;filing date</strong>&nbsp;- also known as your&nbsp;<strong>priority date</strong>. After filing there is a&nbsp;<strong>formalities examination</strong>&nbsp;to ensure that your documentation is correct and complete.</p> <p>At any time in the next 12 months you can file for patent protection in other countries and have those later filings treated as if they had been filed on your priority date. In practice, this gives you a year to decide how many countries you wish to include in your patent protection.</p> <h3>Stage 3&nbsp; Search</h3> <p>A&nbsp;<strong>search report</strong>&nbsp;is sent to you, listing and including copies of all prior art documents found by an experienced examiner and regarded as relevant to your invention. The search is based mainly on your claims for novelty, but your description and any drawings will also be taken into account. The report will often include an initial opinion on the patentability of your invention.</p> <h3>Stage 4&nbsp; Publication</h3> <p>Your application is&nbsp;<strong>published</strong>&nbsp;18 months after the filing date. Your invention will appear in databases accessible to other people around the world. It will act as&nbsp;<strong>prior art</strong>&nbsp;against any future patent applications from other inventors or companies for similar inventions.</p> <p>You then have six further months to make two decisions:</p> <ul> <li>Do you want to continue with your application? You indicate ‘yes' by requesting a more thorough (‘substantive') examination.</li> <li>Which countries do you want to include (‘designate') in your patent protection? Designation fees must be paid.</li> </ul> <p>After your patent is granted, you may claim damages for infringements originating as far back as the publication date of your application. However, to enjoy this right in some countries it may be necessary to file a translation of your claims with their national IP office and for them to publish the translated claims.</p> <h3>Stage 5&nbsp; Substantive examination</h3> <p>If you request&nbsp;<strong>substantive examination</strong>, the EPO has to decide whether your invention&nbsp;<strong>and</strong>&nbsp;your application meet the requirements of the European Patent Convention. For maximum objectivity there are usually three EPO examiners, one of whom maintains contact with your patent attorney. This stage will often involve dialogue between the examiners and your patent attorney, which may result in the re-drafting of key parts of your application. Your patent attorney will defend your application, and this is one more reason why it is essential to have professional representation.</p> <h3>Stage 6&nbsp; Decision to grant a patent</h3> <p>If the examiners decide to grant a patent, and all fees have been paid and any claims translations filed, the decision is reported in the European Patent Bulletin. The&nbsp;<strong>decision to grant</strong>&nbsp;takes effect on the date of publication.</p> <h3>Stage 7&nbsp; Validation</h3> <p>What you have now got is a ‘bundle' of individual national patents. After the EPO decision to grant is published, your patent has to be&nbsp;<strong>validated</strong>&nbsp;in each designated state within a specific time limit. If this is not done, your patent may not be enforceable in that state. In some states, validation may include having to file (and pay for) a translation of the whole patent, or just a translation of the granted claims.</p> <h3>Stage 8&nbsp; Opposition</h3> <p>A granted patent may be&nbsp;<strong>opposed</strong>&nbsp;by third parties - usually the applicant's competitors - if they believe it should not have been granted. After the grant is reported in the European Patent Bulletin they have nine months in which to file notice of opposition. The most common charge is that the invention is not novel or lacks an inventive step. The case will be examined by an EPO team, again of three examiners.</p> <p><strong>Opposition</strong>&nbsp;is the last chance to attack a European patent&nbsp;<strong>as a single entity in a single forum</strong>. Later, the patent can only be challenged in national courts and a ruling in one country has no effect on the patents for the same invention in other countries. This gives competitors a strong incentive to challenge an invention during the opposition period, as challenging patents in separate national courts can be much more expensive.</p> <h3>Stage 9&nbsp; Appeal</h3> <p>All EPO decisions are open to appeal. Responsibility for decisions on appeals is taken by independent boards of appeal.</p> </dd> <dt>Patenting strategy</dt> <dd> <p>There is more to patenting than simply meeting the formal requirements of a patent office. You should try to fit your patent application into the broader framework of developing your invention. Points to discuss with your patent attorney may include these:</p> <h2>When to apply</h2> <p>Because of the formality of the patent application process, the&nbsp;<strong>timing</strong>&nbsp;of your application may make a big difference to the pressures you find yourself under later. Is it better to apply for a patent earlier, or later?</p> <p>There is no easy answer to this question. Many inventors are keen to apply for a patent as early as possible - yet many successful companies delay filing until products are almost ready for market.</p> <p>One disadvantage of early filing is that you may incur substantial costs before you know whether your idea is commercially viable. Applicants have up to two years from filing before becoming liable for significant patent fees, but this is rarely long enough to reach a licensing agreement with a company. It may not even be long enough to establish the commercial prospects of an invention.</p> <p>One disadvantage of late filing is that someone may file a very similar idea before you.</p> <p>For many private inventors, cost will be a major factor. The later you file, the longer you delay the costs. But how late can you afford to leave it?&nbsp;<strong>As long as he or she knows all the facts</strong>, your patent attorney may be able to identify an optimum date for filing, and advise on the steps you can take to protect your idea in the meantime.</p> <h2>Pressure to patent</h2> <p>You may be tempted to apply for a patent prematurely because business advisers or potential licensee companies tell you that this is what you should do. Always consider whose interests are best served by this advice. In many cases there will be little benefit in it for you.</p> <h2>Continuing prior art searching</h2> <p>The world does not stand still once you have filed your application. You&nbsp;<strong>must</strong>&nbsp;keep up your patent and product searching, as something may happen after you have filed which may affect your later decision whether to continue with your application.</p> <h2>Licensing or business start-up?</h2> <p>The period between filing and requesting substantive examination should be used to seek opportunities to exploit the invention. Even if your preference is a licensing agreement, it may be worth setting a date after which you plan instead for business start-up. The reason is that if no company shows interest in your idea, you do not want to reach substantive examination stage with no other option to pursue.</p> <h2>Re-filing</h2> <p>You may be able to gain extra time to seek a licensing agreement by withdrawing your application and re-filing it later. This is a tactic that you&nbsp;<strong>must</strong>&nbsp;discuss with your patent attorney, or you may lose more than you gain.</p> <h2>Temporary advantage</h2> <p>It is possible to use a patent application for purely temporary advantage, and to decline substantive examination. For example, you might wish to use it to protect your idea for long enough to achieve your exploitation objectives. Again, you&nbsp;<strong>must</strong>&nbsp;discuss this with your patent attorney as there may be risks that you have not considered. One almost certain outcome of abandoning an application is that you will find it much more difficult - in fact, probably impossible - to license your invention to anyone.&nbsp;</p> <p>Just having your patent application published may be enough. Once published, potential customers and business partners can find out about your invention and contact you if they are interested. Your published application will also be prior art, which could prevent competitors from patenting the same or a similar idea in the future. This might leave you free to operate in that market even if your application is not subsequently granted. If this suits your business strategy, you might then choose to go no further with the patenting process, especially if you could not afford the expense of acquiring or subsequently enforcing a patent.</p> <h2>Funding</h2> <p>A granted patent may help persuade investors that your idea is worth backing, and by that means the cost of patenting may be covered. You should therefore think of a patent not just as a means of protecting the idea, but also as an instrument for raising funding.</p> </dd> </dl> <div class="ckeditor-template ckeditor-template-media-text ckeditor-template-media-text-2-col"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-xs-12 col-sm-6"> <div class="ratio portrait-image">&nbsp;</div> <div class="blue-background panel-card"> <div class="panel-card-header"> <h4 class="icon-eye">See also</h4> </div> <div class="panel-card-content"><a class="icon-link_internal" href="https://www.epo.org/en/service-support/subscription-centre/subscribe">Subscribe to EPO mailings</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="col-xs-12 col-sm-6"> <div class="ratio portrait-image">&nbsp;</div> </div> </div> </div>" class="elastic" /> <meta name="description_content" content="There are several forms of protection known as intellectual property rights (IPR). 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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" 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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" 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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> 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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 href="/en/legal/epc/archive/documentation-epc-revision-2000/rules-relating-fees" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447079">Rules relating to Fees</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Ratifications and accessions" data-url="/en/legal/epc/archive/documentation-epc-revision-2000/ratifications" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/legal/epc/archive/documentation-epc-revision-2000/ratifications" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447082">Ratifications and accessions</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Travaux Préparatoires EPC 1973" data-url="/en/legal/epc/archive/travaux" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/legal/epc/archive/travaux" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/513016">Travaux Préparatoires EPC 1973</a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Official Journal" data-url="/en/legal/official-journal" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/legal/official-journal" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/285106">Official Journal</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Guidelines" data-url="/en/legal/guidelines" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Guidelines" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Guidelines </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/guidelines" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/legal/guidelines" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/492211">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="EPC Guidelines" data-url="/en/legal/guidelines-epc" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/legal/guidelines-epc" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/285109">EPC Guidelines</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="PCT-EPO Guidelines" data-url="/en/legal/guidelines-pct" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/legal/guidelines-pct" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/285112">PCT-EPO Guidelines</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Guidelines revision cycle" data-url="/en/legal/guidelines-revision-cycle" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/legal/guidelines-revision-cycle" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447091">Guidelines revision cycle</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Consultation results" data-url="/en/legal/guidelines/consultation-results" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/legal/guidelines/consultation-results" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/910492">Consultation results</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Summary of user responses" data-url="/en/legal/guidelines/responses" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/legal/guidelines/responses" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/503536">Summary of user responses</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Archive" data-url="/en/legal/guidelines/archive" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/legal/guidelines/archive" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/499768">Archive</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Extension / validation system" data-url="/en/legal/extension-validation-system" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/legal/extension-validation-system" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447094">Extension / validation system</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="London Agreement" data-url="/en/legal/london-agreement" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/legal/london-agreement" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447097">London Agreement</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="National law relating to the EPC" data-url="/en/legal/national-law" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu National law relating to the EPC" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> National law relating to the 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/legal/national-law" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/legal/national-law" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/285115">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Archive" data-url="/en/legal/national-law/archive" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/legal/national-law/archive" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447100">Archive</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Unitary Patent system" data-url="/en/legal/up-upc" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Unitary Patent system" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Unitary Patent system </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="Travaux préparatoires to UP and UPC" data-url="/en/legal/up-upc/travaux-preparatoires-and-upc" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/legal/up-upc/travaux-preparatoires-and-upc" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1156160">Travaux préparatoires to UP and UPC</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="National measures relating to the Unitary Patent " data-url="/en/legal/national-measures-up" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/legal/national-measures-up" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/285118">National measures relating to the Unitary Patent </a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Court practices" data-url="/en/law-practice/court-practices" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Court practices" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Court practices </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/law-practice/court-practices" data-elastic-exclude> <a 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class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/law-practice/consultation" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/law-practice/consultation" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/285097">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Ongoing consultations" data-url="/en/law-practice/consultation/ongoing" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/law-practice/consultation/ongoing" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/465550">Ongoing consultations</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Completed consultations" data-url="/en/law-practice/consultation/completed-consultations" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/law-practice/consultation/completed-consultations" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447181">Completed consultations</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Substantive patent law harmonisation" data-url="/en/law-practice/harmonisation" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Substantive patent law harmonisation" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Substantive patent law harmonisation </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/law-practice/harmonisation" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/law-practice/harmonisation" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/285100">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="The Tegernsee process" data-url="/en/law-practice/harmonisation/tegernsee-process" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/law-practice/harmonisation/tegernsee-process" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447184">The Tegernsee process</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Group B+" data-url="/en/law-practice/harmonisation/group-b-plus" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/law-practice/harmonisation/group-b-plus" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447187">Group B+</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Convergence of practice" data-url="/en/law-practice/convergence-of-practice" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/law-practice/convergence-of-practice" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447190">Convergence of practice</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Options for professional representatives" data-url="/en/law-practice/options-professional-representatives" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/law-practice/options-professional-representatives" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/365026">Options for professional representatives</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="News & events" data-url="" data-elastic-exclude> <span class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" aria-expanded="false" data-toggle="dropdown" title="Expand menu News & events" data-elastic-exclude="">News & events</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/news-events" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/285085">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="News" data-url="/en/news-events/news" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/news" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/105393">News</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Events" data-url="/en/news-events/events" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/events" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/285028">Events</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="European Inventor Award" data-url="/en/news-events/european-inventor-award" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu European Inventor Award" 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" data-url="/en/news-events/european-inventor-award/about-award" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/european-inventor-award/about-award" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/365005">About the award</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Categories and prizes" data-url="/en/news-events/european-inventor-award/categories-and-prizes" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/european-inventor-award/categories-and-prizes" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323287">Categories and prizes</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Meet the finalists" data-url="/en/news-events/european-inventor-award/meet-the-finalists" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/european-inventor-award/meet-the-finalists" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323461">Meet the finalists</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Nominations" data-url="/en/news-events/european-inventor-award/nominations" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/european-inventor-award/nominations" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323317">Nominations</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="European Inventor Network" data-url="/en/news-events/european-inventor-award/european-inventor-network" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu European Inventor Network" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> European Inventor Network </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="2024 activities" data-url="/en/news-events/european-inventor-award/european-inventor-network/2024-activities" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/european-inventor-award/european-inventor-network/2024-activities" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/836491">2024 activities</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="2025 activities" data-url="/en/news-events/european-inventor-award/european-inventor-network/2025-activities" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/european-inventor-award/european-inventor-network/2025-activities" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1165320">2025 activities</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Rules and criteria" data-url="/en/news-events/european-inventor-award/european-inventor-network/rules-criteria" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/european-inventor-award/european-inventor-network/rules-criteria" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1277009">Rules and criteria</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="FAQ" data-url="/en/news-events/european-inventor-award/european-inventor-network/faq" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/european-inventor-award/european-inventor-network/faq" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1277010">FAQ</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="The 2024 event" data-url="/en/news-events/european-inventor-award/2024-event" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/european-inventor-award/2024-event" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1050691">The 2024 event</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Young Inventors Prize" data-url="/en/news-events/young-inventors-prize" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Young Inventors Prize" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Young Inventors Prize </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="About the prize" data-url="/en/news-events/young-inventors-prize/about-prize" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/young-inventors-prize/about-prize" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1156810">About the prize</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Nominations" data-url="/en/news-events/young-inventors-prize/nominations" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/young-inventors-prize/nominations" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1157454">Nominations</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Press centre" data-url="/en/news-events/press-centre" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Press centre" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Press centre </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/press-centre" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/press-centre" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/104359">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Patent Index and statistics" data-url="/en/news-events/press-centre/patent-index-and-statistics" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/press-centre/patent-index-and-statistics" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323686">Patent Index and statistics</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Search in press centre" data-url="/en/news-events/press-centre/search-press-centre" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/press-centre/search-press-centre" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/104360">Search in press centre</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Background information" data-url="/en/news-events/press-centre/background" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Background information" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Background information </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/press-centre/background" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/press-centre/background" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/285298">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="European Patent Office" data-url="/en/news-events/press-centre/fact-sheet/446602" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/press-centre/fact-sheet/446602" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446602">European Patent Office</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Q&A on patents related to coronavirus" data-url="/en/news-events/press-centre/fact-sheet/446605" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/press-centre/fact-sheet/446605" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446605">Q&A on patents related to coronavirus</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Q&A on plant patents" data-url="/en/news-events/press-centre/fact-sheet/447625" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/press-centre/fact-sheet/447625" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447625">Q&A on plant patents</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Copyright" data-url="/en/news-events/press-centre/copyright" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/press-centre/copyright" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323710">Copyright</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Press contacts" data-url="/en/news-events/press-centre/contact" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/press-centre/contact" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/391396">Press contacts</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Call back form" data-url="/en/call-back-form" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/call-back-form" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/17674">Call back form</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Email alert service" data-url="/en/email-alert-service" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/email-alert-service" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/431548">Email alert service</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="In focus" data-url="/en/news-events/in-focus" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu In focus" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> In focus </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/in-focus" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/in-focus" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323071">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Water-related technologies" data-url="/en/news-events/in-focus/water" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/in-focus/water" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1185224">Water-related technologies</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="CodeFest" data-url="/en/news-events/in-focus/codefest" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu CodeFest" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> CodeFest </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/in-focus/codefest" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/in-focus/codefest" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1162034">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="CodeFest 2024 on generative AI" data-url="/en/news-events/in-focus/codefest/codefest-2024-generative-ai" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/in-focus/codefest/codefest-2024-generative-ai" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1162035">CodeFest 2024 on generative AI</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="CodeFest 2023 on Green Plastics" data-url="/en/news-events/in-focus/codefest/codefest-green-plastics" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/in-focus/codefest/codefest-green-plastics" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447208">CodeFest 2023 on Green Plastics</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Green tech in focus" data-url="/en/news-events/in-focus/green-tech" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Green tech in focus" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Green tech in focus </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/in-focus/green-tech" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/in-focus/green-tech" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323074">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="About green tech" data-url="/en/news-events/in-focus/green-tech/about-green-tech" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/in-focus/green-tech/about-green-tech" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447196">About green tech</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Renewable energies" data-url="/en/news-events/in-focus/green-tech/renewable-energies" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/in-focus/green-tech/renewable-energies" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447199">Renewable energies</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Energy transition technologies" data-url="/en/news-events/in-focus/green-tech/energy-transition-technologies" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/in-focus/green-tech/energy-transition-technologies" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447202">Energy transition technologies</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Building a greener future" data-url="/en/news-events/in-focus/green-tech/building-a-greener-future" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/in-focus/green-tech/building-a-greener-future" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447205">Building a greener future</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="IP and youth" data-url="/en/news-events/in-focus/ip-and-youth" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/in-focus/ip-and-youth" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447220">IP and youth</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Research institutes" data-url="/en/news-events/in-focus/research" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/in-focus/research" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447223">Research institutes</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Women inventors" data-url="/en/news-events/in-focus/women-inventors" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/in-focus/women-inventors" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447226">Women inventors</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Lifestyle" data-url="/en/news-events/in-focus/lifestyle" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/in-focus/lifestyle" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447247">Lifestyle</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Space and satellites" data-url="/en/news-events/in-focus/space" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Space and satellites" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Space and satellites </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/in-focus/space" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/in-focus/space" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447250">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Patents and space technologies" data-url="/en/news-events/in-focus/space/space-satellite" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/in-focus/space/space-satellite" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447253">Patents and space technologies</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Healthcare" data-url="/en/news-events/in-focus/medical-technologies" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Healthcare" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Healthcare </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/in-focus/medical-technologies" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/in-focus/medical-technologies" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447256">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Medical technologies and cancer" data-url="/en/news-events/in-focus/medical-technologies/cancer" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/in-focus/medical-technologies/cancer" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447634">Medical technologies and cancer</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Personalised medicine" data-url="/en/news-events/in-focus/medical-technologies/personalised-medicine" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/in-focus/medical-technologies/personalised-medicine" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447259">Personalised medicine</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Materials science" data-url="/en/news-events/in-focus/materials" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" 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data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/innovation-case-studies/high-growth-technology-case-studies" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/innovation-case-studies/high-growth-technology-case-studies" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1210943">High-growth technology case studies</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Inventor'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 active" title="Expand menu Inventor's handbook" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Inventor'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> 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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 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businesses </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/support-high-growth-technology-businesses" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/support-high-growth-technology-businesses" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1209371">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Business decision-makers" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/support-high-growth-technology-businesses/business-decision-makers" data-elastic-exclude> <a 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data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/support-high-growth-technology-businesses/stakeholders-innovation-ecosystem" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1211590">Stakeholders of the Innovation Ecosystem</a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="EQE and EPAC Candidates" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/eqe-epac-candidates" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu EQE and EPAC Candidates" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> EQE and EPAC Candidates </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/eqe-epac-candidates" 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questions</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="European qualifying examination - Guide for preparation" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/eqe-epac-candidates/european-qualifying-examination-guide-preparation" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/eqe-epac-candidates/european-qualifying-examination-guide-preparation" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1212236">European qualifying examination - Guide for preparation</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="EPAC" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/eqe-epac-candidates/epac" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/eqe-epac-candidates/epac" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1136063">EPAC</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Judges, lawyers and prosecutors" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/judges-lawyers-and-prosecutors" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Judges, lawyers and prosecutors" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Judges, lawyers and prosecutors </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/judges-lawyers-and-prosecutors" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/judges-lawyers-and-prosecutors" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/744154">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Compulsory licensing in Europe" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/judges-lawyers-and-prosecutors/compulsory-licensing-europe" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/judges-lawyers-and-prosecutors/compulsory-licensing-europe" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1212237">Compulsory licensing in Europe</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="The jurisdiction of European courts in patent disputes" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/judges-lawyers-and-prosecutors/jurisdiction-european-courts-patent-disputes" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/judges-lawyers-and-prosecutors/jurisdiction-european-courts-patent-disputes" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1212896">The jurisdiction of European courts in patent disputes</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="National offices and 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Framework (MIPEF)</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Pan-European Seal Young Professionals Programme" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/universities-research-centres-and-technology-transfer-centres/pan-european-seal-professional-programme" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Pan-European Seal Young Professionals Programme" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Pan-European Seal Young Professionals Programme </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/universities-research-centres-and-technology-transfer-centres/pan-european-seal-professional-programme" data-elastic-exclude> <a 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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" 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" 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" 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 & strategy" data-url="/en/about-us/office" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Principles & strategy" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Principles & 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 & 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 & 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 & 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 & privacy notice</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Leadership & 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 & management" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Leadership & 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 & 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 & activities" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Services & 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 & 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 & 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 & 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 & services" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Products & 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" 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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" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/international-european-cooperation/international-bilateral" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Bilateral co-operation with non-member states" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Bilateral co-operation with non-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/international-bilateral" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/international-european-cooperation/international-bilateral" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447451">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Validation system" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/international-european-cooperation/international-bilateral/validation-system" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/international-european-cooperation/international-bilateral/validation-system" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447454">Validation system</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Reinforced Partnership programme" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/international-european-cooperation/international-bilateral/reinforced-partnership-programme" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/international-european-cooperation/international-bilateral/reinforced-partnership-programme" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447457">Reinforced Partnership programme</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Multilateral international co-operation with IP offices and organisations" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/international-european-cooperation/international-multilateral" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/international-european-cooperation/international-multilateral" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447460">Multilateral international co-operation with IP offices and organisations</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Co-operation with international organisations outside the IP system" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/international-european-cooperation/organisations" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/international-european-cooperation/organisations" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446599">Co-operation with international organisations outside the IP system</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="European Patent Academy" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/academy" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu European Patent Academy" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> European Patent Academy </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/academy" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/academy" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323341">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Partners" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/academy/partners" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/academy/partners" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447466">Partners</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Chief Economist" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/chief-economist" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Chief Economist" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Chief Economist </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/chief-economist" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/chief-economist" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447481">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Economic studies" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/chief-economist/studies" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/chief-economist/studies" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447484">Economic studies</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Ombuds Office" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/ombuds-office" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/ombuds-office" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/532156">Ombuds Office</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Reporting wrongdoing" 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href="/en/about-us/observatory-patents-and-technology" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/396013">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="About the Observatory" data-url="/en/about-us/observatory-patents-and-technology/about-observatory" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/observatory-patents-and-technology/about-observatory" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/396016">About the Observatory</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Our activities" data-url="/en/about-us/observatory-patents-and-technology/our-activities" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/observatory-patents-and-technology/our-activities" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/828454">Our activities</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Our topics" data-url="/en/about-us/observatory-patents-and-technology/our-topics" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/observatory-patents-and-technology/our-topics" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/396019">Our topics</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Our partners and networks" data-url="/en/about-us/observatory-patents-and-technology/our-expert-networks" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/observatory-patents-and-technology/our-expert-networks" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/810970">Our partners and networks</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Digital library" data-url="/en/about-us/observatory-patents-and-technology/digital-library" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/observatory-patents-and-technology/digital-library" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/810967">Digital library</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Data desk" data-url="/en/about-us/observatory-patents-and-technology/data-desk" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/observatory-patents-and-technology/data-desk" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/810973">Data desk</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Transparency portal" data-url="/en/about-us/transparency-portal" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Transparency portal" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Transparency 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/transparency-portal" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/transparency-portal" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323377">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="General" data-url="/en/about-us/transparency-portal/general" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu General" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> General </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/transparency-portal/general" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/transparency-portal/general" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/413767">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Annual Review 2023" data-url="/en/about-us/transparency-portal/general/annual-review-2023" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Annual Review 2023" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Annual Review 2023 </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/transparency-portal/general/annual-review-2023" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/transparency-portal/general/annual-review-2023" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1160713">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Foreword" data-url="/en/about-us/transparency-portal/general/annual-review-2023/foreword" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/transparency-portal/general/annual-review-2023/foreword" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1160714">Foreword</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Executive summary" data-url="/en/about-us/transparency-portal/general/annual-review-2023/executive-summary" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/transparency-portal/general/annual-review-2023/executive-summary" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1160715">Executive summary</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="50 years of the EPC" data-url="/en/about-us/transparency-portal/general/annual-review-2023/50-years-epc" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/transparency-portal/general/annual-review-2023/50-years-epc" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1169238">50 years of the EPC</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Strategic key performance indicators" data-url="/en/about-us/transparency-portal/general/annual-review-2023/strategic-key-performance-indicators" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/transparency-portal/general/annual-review-2023/strategic-key-performance-indicators" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1169507">Strategic key performance indicators</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Goal 1: Engaged and empowered" data-url="/en/about-us/transparency-portal/general/annual-review-2023/goal-1" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/transparency-portal/general/annual-review-2023/goal-1" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1160716">Goal 1: Engaged and empowered</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Goal 2: Digital transformation" data-url="/en/about-us/transparency-portal/general/annual-review-2023/goal-2" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/transparency-portal/general/annual-review-2023/goal-2" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1169884">Goal 2: Digital transformation</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Goal 3: Master quality" data-url="/en/about-us/transparency-portal/general/annual-review-2023/goal-3" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/transparency-portal/general/annual-review-2023/goal-3" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1169885">Goal 3: Master quality</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Goal 4: Partner for positive impact" data-url="/en/about-us/transparency-portal/general/annual-review-2023/goal-4" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/transparency-portal/general/annual-review-2023/goal-4" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1169886">Goal 4: Partner for positive impact</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Goal 5: Secure sustainability" data-url="/en/about-us/transparency-portal/general/annual-review-2023/goal-5" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/transparency-portal/general/annual-review-2023/goal-5" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1169888">Goal 5: Secure sustainability</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Annual Review 2022" data-url="/en/about-us/transparency-portal/general/annual-review-2022" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Annual Review 2022" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Annual Review 2022 </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/transparency-portal/general/annual-review-2022" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/transparency-portal/general/annual-review-2022" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/484666">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Foreword" data-url="/en/about-us/transparency-portal/general/annual-review-2022/foreword" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/transparency-portal/general/annual-review-2022/foreword" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/556717">Foreword</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Executive summary" data-url="/en/about-us/transparency-portal/general/annual-review-2022/executive-summary" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/transparency-portal/general/annual-review-2022/executive-summary" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/556720">Executive summary</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Goal 1: Engaged and empowered" data-url="/en/about-us/transparency-portal/general/annual-review-2022/goal-1" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/transparency-portal/general/annual-review-2022/goal-1" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/558649">Goal 1: Engaged and empowered</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Goal 2: Digital transformation" data-url="/en/about-us/transparency-portal/general/annual-review-2022/goal-2" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/transparency-portal/general/annual-review-2022/goal-2" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/558667">Goal 2: Digital transformation</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Goal 3: Master quality" data-url="/en/about-us/transparency-portal/general/annual-review-2022/goal-3" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/transparency-portal/general/annual-review-2022/goal-3" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/560548">Goal 3: Master quality</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Goal 4: Partner for positive impact" data-url="/en/about-us/transparency-portal/general/annual-review-2022/goal-4" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/transparency-portal/general/annual-review-2022/goal-4" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/560551">Goal 4: Partner for positive impact</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Goal 5: Secure sustainability" data-url="/en/about-us/transparency-portal/general/annual-review-2022/goal-5" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/transparency-portal/general/annual-review-2022/goal-5" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/560554">Goal 5: Secure sustainability</a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Human" data-url="/en/about-us/transparency-portal/human" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/transparency-portal/human" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/413779">Human</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Environmental" data-url="/en/about-us/transparency-portal/environmental" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/transparency-portal/environmental" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/413788">Environmental</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Organisational" data-url="/en/about-us/transparency-portal/organisational" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/transparency-portal/organisational" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/415666">Organisational</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" 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data-drupal-link-system-path="node/18205">Statistics & Trends Centre</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Patent Index 2023" data-url="/en/about-us/statistics/patent-index-2023" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Patent Index 2023" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Patent Index 2023 </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="Key patenting trends" data-url="/en/about-us/statistics/patent-index-2023/key-patenting-trends" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/statistics/patent-index-2023/key-patenting-trends" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1083450">Key patenting trends</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Insight into artificial intelligence" 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title="Expand menu Statistics and indicators" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Statistics and indicators </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 dropdown" data-title="European patent applications" data-url="/en/about-us/statistics/patent-index-2023/statistics-and-indicators/european-patent-applications" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu European patent applications" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> European patent applications </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="Key trend" data-url="/en/about-us/statistics/patent-index-2023/statistics-and-indicators/european-patent-applications/key-trend" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/statistics/patent-index-2023/statistics-and-indicators/european-patent-applications/key-trend" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" 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" data-url="/en/about-us/statistics/patent-index-2023/statistics-and-indicators/european-patent-applications/top-10-technical-fields/organic-fine-chemistry" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/statistics/patent-index-2023/statistics-and-indicators/european-patent-applications/top-10-technical-fields/organic-fine-chemistry" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1088762">Organic fine chemistry</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="All technical fields" data-url="/en/about-us/statistics/patent-index-2023/statistics-and-indicators/european-patent-applications/all-technical-fields" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/statistics/patent-index-2023/statistics-and-indicators/european-patent-applications/all-technical-fields" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1092633">All technical fields</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" 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" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/statistics/patent-index-2023/statistics-and-indicators/applicants/categories" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1092637">Categories</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Women inventors" data-url="/en/about-us/statistics/patent-index-2023/statistics-and-indicators/applicants/women-inventors" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/statistics/patent-index-2023/statistics-and-indicators/applicants/women-inventors" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1097842">Women inventors</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Granted patents" data-url="/en/about-us/statistics/patent-index-2023/statistics-and-indicators/granted-patents" 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data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447139">Legal Board of Appeal</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Disciplinary Board of Appeal" data-url="/en/case-law-appeals/organisation/disciplinary-board-appeal" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/case-law-appeals/organisation/disciplinary-board-appeal" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447142">Disciplinary Board of Appeal</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Presidium" data-url="/en/case-law-appeals/organisation/presidium" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Presidium" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Presidium </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 dropdown" data-title="Composition of the 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</li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Open Patent Services (OPS)" data-url="/en/service-support/ordering/terms-and-conditions/ops-terms-and-conditions" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/service-support/ordering/terms-and-conditions/ops-terms-and-conditions" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447529">Open Patent Services (OPS)</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Fair use charter" data-url="/en/service-support/ordering/fair-use" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/service-support/ordering/fair-use" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447538">Fair use charter</a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Procedural communications" data-url="/en/service-support/procedural-communications" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/service-support/procedural-communications" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/742198">Procedural communications</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Useful links" data-url="/en/service-support/useful-links" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Useful links" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Useful links </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/service-support/useful-links" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/service-support/useful-links" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447541">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Patent offices of member states" data-url="/en/service-support/useful-links/national-offices" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/service-support/useful-links/national-offices" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447544">Patent offices of member states</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Other patent offices" data-url="/en/service-support/useful-links/patent-offices" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/service-support/useful-links/patent-offices" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447547">Other patent offices</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Legal resources" data-url="/en/service-support/useful-links/legal" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/service-support/useful-links/legal" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447550">Legal resources</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Directories of patent attorneys" data-url="/en/service-support/useful-links/attorneys" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/service-support/useful-links/attorneys" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447553">Directories of patent attorneys</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Patent databases, registers and gazettes" data-url="/en/service-support/useful-links/databases" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/service-support/useful-links/databases" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447556">Patent databases, registers and gazettes</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Disclaimer" data-url="/en/service-support/useful-links/disclaimer" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/service-support/useful-links/disclaimer" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447559">Disclaimer</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Contact us" data-url="/en/service-support/contact-us" data-elastic-exclude> <span 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feeds" data-url="/en/service-support/rss-feeds" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/service-support/rss-feeds" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/906658">RSS feeds</a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav> <div id="block-hamburguerfixed" class="block block-fixed-block-content block-fixed-block-contenthamburguer-fixed"> <div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><div><button class="block block-fixed-block-content block-fixed-block-contenthamburguer-fixed block-hamburguer d-xl-none" type="button"><span class="burguer burguer-one d-block"> </span> <span class="burguer burguer-two d-block"> </span><span class="burguer burguer-three d-block"> </span></button></div></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </header> <main role="main"> <a id="main-content" tabindex="-1"></a> <div class="region region-content"> <div data-drupal-messages-fallback class="hidden"></div> <div id="block-epo-org-content" class="lc-main-content block block-system block-system-main-block"> <article class="node node--type-page node--view-mode-full"> <div class="node__content"> <div class="lc-section lc-section-137 layoutcomponents-two-column container landing-pages lc-inline_section-edit" style="height: auto"> <div 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-3 sidebar-navigation basic-page-nav" style="z-index: 1"> <div data-region="first" class="layout-builder__region js-layout-builder-region lc-inline_column_first-content-edit"> <div class="views-element-container block block-views block-views-blockbasic-page-views-go-back-basic-page"> <div> <div class="view view-basic-page-views view-id-basic_page_views view-display-id-go_back_basic_page js-view-dom-id-c38225b665cd47dc82a994018caa732fd9e2133801c454aebc6af4629a267610"> <div class="view-content"> <div><div class="views-field views-field-field-parent-1"><div class="field-content"><div class="go-back-left-menu"><a href="https://www.epo.org/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers">Business and IP managers</a></div></div></div></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodepagetitle"> </div> <div class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodepagefield-overview"> <div class="go-overview-block"> <h3>Inventor's handbook</h3> <a class="overview-appended d-block" href=/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/inventors-handbook>Overview</a> </div> </div> <div> <ul class="nav navbar-nav"> <li class="nav-item"> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/inventors-handbook/introduction" class="nav-link" 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data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1203518">Assessing the risk ahead</a> </li> <li class="nav-item"> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/inventors-handbook/proving-invention" class="nav-link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1203519">Proving the invention</a> </li> <li class="nav-item"> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/inventors-handbook/protecting-your-idea" class="nav-link active is-active" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1204165">Protecting your idea</a> </li> <li class="nav-item"> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/inventors-handbook/building-team-and-seeking-funding" class="nav-link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1204166">Building a team and seeking funding</a> </li> <li class="nav-item"> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/inventors-handbook/business-planning" class="nav-link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1204167">Business planning</a> </li> <li class="nav-item"> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/inventors-handbook/finding-and-approaching-companies" class="nav-link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1204169">Finding and approaching companies</a> </li> <li class="nav-item"> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/inventors-handbook/dealing-companies" class="nav-link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1204815">Dealing with companies</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> <div class="lc-inline_column_second-edit layoutcomponent-column col-sm-12 col-md-12 col-lg-9" style="z-index: 1"> <div data-region="second" class="layout-builder__region js-layout-builder-region lc-inline_column_second-content-edit"> <div class="lc-section lc-section-137 layoutcomponents-one-column container url-print d-none d-print-block lc-inline_section-edit" style="height: auto"> <div 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lc-inline_column_first-content-edit"> <div class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodepagetitle"> <h1>Protecting your idea</h1> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="lc-section lc-section-137 layoutcomponents-one-column container lc-inline_section-edit" style="height: auto"> <div 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>At some point you <strong>must</strong> legally protect your intellectual property (IP) or you will not be able to:</p> <ul> <li>Disclose it safely.</li> <li>Be recognised in law as its owner.</li> <li>Profit from its commercial exploitation.</li> <li>Prevent or discourage its unauthorised use by others.</li> </ul> <p>There are several forms of protection known as <strong>intellectual property rights</strong> (IPR). Usually, the best way to protect an invention as it evolves is to use a strategic combination of IPR. </p> <p>Many inventors assume that the <strong>only</strong> way to protect their idea is to patent it. While patents tend to be of primary importance (see <strong>The patenting process </strong>later), other forms of IPR should also be considered. One or more of these may have an important role to play in protecting your idea.</p> <h2>Patent attorneys</h2> <p>Another important role will be played by your <strong>patent attorney</strong>. IPR is a complex area of law that holds many dangers for inexperienced inventors. A patent attorney's advice will be helpful when you are planning an effective IP protection strategy, and <strong>essential</strong> if you decide to patent your idea.</p> <p>Despite their name, patent attorneys are usually experts in all forms of IPR. They can improve your chances of obtaining worthwhile protection for your idea, and can act for you when problems arise.</p> <p>Your patent attorney should be able to advise you fully on IP matters in your own country and all of Europe. For IP matters outside Europe, most patent attorney firms in your own country will be able to act for you, or arrange representation, in any country.</p> <p>However, it is important to understand that <strong>no patent attorney can ensure that your IPR will bring you any financial reward</strong>. The expertise of patent attorneys is restricted to IP law. You or your team of other experts must take responsibility for the <strong>commercial </strong>success of your invention.</p> <p> </p> <dl class="ckeditor-accordion"> <dt>Forms of IPR</dt> <dd> <h2>Confidential information and non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)</h2> <p>Although not covered by any statutory IPRs, confidential information is closely related to, and often regarded as, intellectual property. </p> <p>The most common form of protection for confidential information is a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). An NDA can protect you by documenting someone's promise not to use or pass on information about your idea. Anyone who breaks the terms of an NDA risks legal action.</p> <p>NDAs can help to protect you at every stage of the development of your idea - no matter what other forms of IPR you have, and even long after your invention is on the market.</p> <p>You can find many free examples of NDAs on the internet. It may however be wise to seek the advice of a patent attorney when constructing your own version.</p> <p>Your main problem is likely to be persuading other people to sign your NDA. Many large companies take the view that NDAs only have a use when they are seriously interested in an idea. That can only be <strong>after</strong> they know what it is! (To overcome this problem, train yourself to communicate the <strong>business benefits</strong> of your idea without disclosing its novel aspects.)</p> <p>NDAs are widely used in all forms of business, so you should certainly consider using them yourself. But remember that they are binding legal agreements, and use them only when<strong> both parties </strong>accept that significant disclosure is necessary.</p> <p>In addition, NDAs can only restrain others from disclosing or exploiting <strong>specific and unique secrets which they get only from you</strong>. Any information that is <strong>already general knowledge</strong> is free for anyone to continue using, regardless of the NDA. Similarly, if the confidential information covered by the NDA later becomes public knowledge by some other means, then the original parties to the NDA will no longer be bound by it.</p> <h2>Know-how</h2> <p>Know-how is undocumented information known only to you. It is similar to trade secrets. Without your know-how, others may find it difficult or unrewarding to exploit your idea. For example, you may know how to reduce production costs significantly by using conventional equipment in an unconventional way.</p> <p>Know-how can be commercially valuable, and can be included in licensing agreements. However, genuinely valuable know-how is rare. There is also no way of registering it and its theft - usually by employees or associates - can be hard to establish.</p> <p>Furthermore, if your know-how is information that ought to be included in a patent, you may risk invalidating the patent by leaving it out. <strong>You should always seek the advice of a patent attorney when considering what to treat as know-how</strong>.</p> <h2>Copyright</h2> <p>Copyright protects for many years against the unauthorised <strong>copying or adapting</strong> of drawn, written or photographic descriptions of your idea.  It does not protect the idea itself, but in some cases - for example computer code - may be the only effective way of protecting your IP.</p> <p>Copyright arises automatically and is free. It is important because it can easily establish dates of origin of an idea, or of changes to an idea. However, it gives you no protection against someone who independently comes up with the same or a similar idea. A competitor may say that their idea is similar to yours by coincidence, or that your idea is a copy of theirs. How can your prove that your idea was the original?</p> <p>The following steps may help you to prove that you are the copyright owner in a later dispute:</p> <ul> <li>Make written descriptions, drawings, photos etc of your idea and print them out or perhaps burn them to a CD or DVD.</li> <li>Place your documents or disc in a securely sealed envelope bearing a signed <strong>and dated</strong> statement from an independent witness, certifying that the envelope was sealed on the date when he or she examined it.</li> <li>Send the envelope by registered mail to yourself or a place of safe keeping, and keep the <strong>clearly</strong> <strong>dated</strong> postage receipt.</li> <li>The envelope must remain unopened until required by a court of law. (It may be advisable to have more than one envelope, in case your copyright claim is tested more than once. An opened envelope is no longer valid as proof of copyright.)</li> </ul> <h2>Unregistered design right (UDR)</h2> <p>In the EU, unregistered design right (UDR) protects the <strong>outward appearance</strong> of a product, including its shape, pattern, texture and decorations. In some national UDR laws (for example, the UK) internal configurations may be protected even if these are invisible to the user.</p> <p>UDR is similar to copyright in that it is free and gives you a right to prevent unauthorised copying for a number of years. However, there is no official design right register and so it can be difficult for others to know of your design.</p> <p>UDR may protect those features of the design which are new, have an individual character, and which come from a ‘freedom' of design. It may <strong>not</strong> protect copied or routine designs; those which are immediately suggestive of other designs; and those parts of a design which are dictated by functional needs to fit or match with other components. For example, a novel wing tea pot can be shaped in many different ways, and so can be protected because the designer has exercised his or her design ‘freedom'. But a vehicle brake pad can only have one shape if it is to fit in the brake callipers. It therefore has no design ‘freedom' and so no protection.</p> <p>UDR arises automatically when the design is created, but you should follow the same ‘sealed envelope' procedure described above for copyright to provide yourself with evidence of a priority date.<strong> </strong>This is because you can only take legal action against someone when you can prove that they must have copied your design, rather than made something similar by coincidence.</p> <p>Though often useful as part of an IPR strategy, UDR on its own will not protect most inventions.</p> <h2>Design registration</h2> <p>More robust protection for designs comes through formal registration, which can last up to 25 years. Applications can be made to most national IP offices, or to the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) where a single application can be registered for the whole of the European Community.</p> <p>The same criteria apply as for UDR: to be validly registered the design must be new, have ‘individual character' and be the result of a ‘freedom' of design. A single registration may protect patterns, ornaments, decorations and logos which are suitable for application across a range of articles (for example, a floral design applied to table linen, bedding, curtains, crockery etc).</p> <p>You can take action against anyone who makes, sells, uses or imports articles which look like the article registered. Unlike UDR, there is no need to prove that another design was copied from yours - you only need to prove that it looks similar.  Even designs which are similar by accident can be challenged by the owner of a registered design.</p> <p>The application process is fast and relatively cheap, but design registration usually only makes sense if the outward appearance of your invention is going to be a strong selling feature.</p> <h2>Trade mark</h2> <p>A trade mark can be a word, slogan, logo or combination that distinguishes your product or business from others. Trade marks can be valid indefinitely if correctly used and maintained, so a trade mark associated with a popular brand name can be of enormous value to its owner.</p> <p>The granting and registration of trade marks is administered by national IP offices, to whom you apply. For multinational cover you can make a single application for <strong>either</strong> an International Trade Mark under the Madrid system at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), <strong>or</strong> a Community Trade Mark (for protection in the EU) at the EUIPO. To avoid problems, you will probably need help from a trade mark attorney. (Many patent attorneys are also trade mark attorneys.)</p> <p>Trade marks do not protect ideas, or products per se. But if you want to market your own invention, a trade mark could be a very worthwhile long-term investment. It might eventually become your most valuable form of IPR.</p> <h2>Patent</h2> <p>Patent systems exist in most countries and their purpose is to encourage the development of new technologies. A patent is a form of legal monopoly - the right to say: ‘This is mine and you cannot use it without paying me' - which governments grant in return for public disclosure of ideas. <strong>And that is all it is</strong>.</p> <p>It is important to understand what a patent can and cannot do. Patenting your idea will not necessarily increase its commercial value. If no one wants your invention, a patent is unlikely to make any difference. But if your invention has commercial potential, a patent may be your only way of ensuring that you can benefit financially from it. <strong>Many inventors of commercially successful products acknowledge that they owe their financial rewards almost entirely to strong patent protection</strong>.</p> <p>The cost and complexity of patenting can be a problem for many inventors. Therefore, a decision to apply for a patent should never be taken without careful consideration of several factors (see later). You should ideally seek the advice of a patent attorney before making your decision.</p> <p>If you decide to go ahead, you should let a patent attorney represent you during the lengthy, complicated and rigorous application process. If you do not use a patent attorney, you run a large risk of making mistakes which could leave you with no effective patent protection. There may then be little prospect of ever benefiting from your invention.</p> <p>In general, patents last for 20 years but only if annual renewal fees are paid.</p> </dd> <dt>The patenting process</dt> <dd> <p>An invention is patentable only if it is:</p> <ul> <li>New and previously undisclosed.</li> <li>Distinguished by an inventive step not obvious to someone expert in that technology.</li> <li>Capable of industrial application - that is, it is physically possible to make the invention.</li> </ul> <p>Computer software <strong>on its own</strong> can be protected by copyright but not by patents in Europe. However, an invention that is implemented on computers by means of software - for example, an improved data handling system - is patentable in Europe. <strong>You will certainly need the advice of a patent attorney when patenting inventions which are run on computers</strong> because practice can differ between Europe and the USA.</p> <p>Business methods may be patentable in the USA but not easily patentable elsewhere.</p> <p>Always seek advice from a patent attorney if you have concerns about whether your idea is patentable.</p> <h2>Some issues to consider before deciding to patent</h2> <p>(See also <strong>Patenting strategy</strong> later.)</p> <ul> <li>Do you really need a patent? Would some combination of other forms of IPR protect your idea adequately? And be honest with yourself - are you perhaps motivated more by vanity (the prospect of a patent in your name) than by commercial necessity?</li> <li>Have you studied the total cost of patenting (which should include annual renewal fees in every country in which you have protection)? Is your invention likely to earn enough income to justify the cost? Normally, you should not apply for a patent until you have thoroughly researched the commercial and financial potential of your idea.</li> <li>Is the time right to apply for a patent? Application starts a sequence of events which cannot be delayed. Do you apply for a patent early on, or wait until the invention is market-ready and more capable of quickly recouping its IPR costs? Later may be better than sooner, but circumstances will vary so you should always seek the advice of a patent attorney.</li> <li>Does your invention have a short product life cycle? The patenting process typically takes 3-4 years. If your invention is aimed at a highly competitive market in which products are rapidly replaced or improved, your patent may be worth little by the time it is granted.</li> <li>Who will pay to enforce your patent? National IP offices do not enforce patents or monitor them for infringement. These are the responsibilities of the patent owner or a licensee. Until funds are potentially available to enforce your patent - from royalties or sales income - it may offer limited practical protection.</li> <li>How strongly might your patent resist legal challenge? You will definitely need a patent attorney's advice on the strength of your claims. This is important because the validity of patent claims is often challenged, usually by competitors who want to copy a successful product. If they succeed, you may be left with a valueless patent <strong>and</strong> an order to pay the victor's legal costs.</li> </ul> <h2>Applying for a patent</h2> <p>Applying for a patent is a legal process governed by strict timescales and usually immovable deadlines. It is not something to rush into! To maximise your chances of a worthwhile patent you should:</p> <ul> <li>Study the application procedure in detail.</li> <li>Aim to apply not in haste, but <strong>strategically</strong> - at a time and for a reason that most benefits your exploitation plans. (See <strong>Patenting strategy</strong> below.)</li> <li>Use a patent attorney! <strong>Do not</strong> do it all yourself - the risk of making mistakes is too great.</li> </ul> <p>Here is only a <a href="https://www.epo.org/en/new-to-patents/how-to-apply-for-a-patent"><strong>very brief</strong> <strong>guide</strong></a> to the application process for a European Patent according to the European Patent Convention (EPC). </p> <p>Applying for a patent at a national IP office is roughly similar to stages 1-6 below, but an application must be made in the local language.</p> <p>Making an international application through the Patent Co-operation Treaty (PCT) involves a single procedure for stages 1-4, but 30 months after filing the application goes through stages 5 and 6 in every national or regional IP office where you wish to take up protection. For more information on the PCT see <a href="http://www.wipo.int/pct">www.wipo.int/pct</a> .</p> <p>Choosing your route for a patent application (EPC, PCT, national and regional, or combinations thereof) will depend on:</p> <ul> <li>Your invention.</li> <li>Your business plan.</li> <li>Your available funds.</li> <li>Your intended market.</li> <li>The likeliest sources of infringing products.</li> </ul> <p>A patent attorney will be able to advise you on the route that is best <strong>for you and your invention</strong>.</p> <h3>Stage 1  Beginning the process</h3> <p>Your patent attorney must provide documentation consisting of:</p> <ul> <li>A request for a patent.</li> <li>Details of the applicant (you).</li> <li>A description of the invention.</li> <li>Claims.</li> <li>Drawings (if any).</li> <li>An abstract.</li> </ul> <p>A fee must also be paid. In order to avoid delay, it is vital that all documentation conforms in every detail to official requirements. Your patent attorney will ensure that it does. At the EPO, applications are accepted in English, French or German.</p> <p>For your patent attorney to prepare all the information about your invention, he or she will obviously need to work closely with you. <strong>Do not assume that you know best because it is your invention</strong>. You must trust the skill and judgement of your patent attorney, as patenting involves a complex mix of law and technology. The claims in particular need to be drafted with skill, as they are the most important aspect of a patent.</p> <h3>Stage 2  Filing date and initial examination</h3> <p>If your documentation appears correct, your application is given a<strong> filing date</strong> - also known as your <strong>priority date</strong>. After filing there is a <strong>formalities examination</strong> to ensure that your documentation is correct and complete.</p> <p>At any time in the next 12 months you can file for patent protection in other countries and have those later filings treated as if they had been filed on your priority date. In practice, this gives you a year to decide how many countries you wish to include in your patent protection.</p> <h3>Stage 3  Search</h3> <p>A <strong>search report</strong> is sent to you, listing and including copies of all prior art documents found by an experienced examiner and regarded as relevant to your invention. The search is based mainly on your claims for novelty, but your description and any drawings will also be taken into account. The report will often include an initial opinion on the patentability of your invention.</p> <h3>Stage 4  Publication</h3> <p>Your application is <strong>published</strong> 18 months after the filing date. Your invention will appear in databases accessible to other people around the world. It will act as <strong>prior art</strong> against any future patent applications from other inventors or companies for similar inventions.</p> <p>You then have six further months to make two decisions:</p> <ul> <li>Do you want to continue with your application? You indicate ‘yes' by requesting a more thorough (‘substantive') examination.</li> <li>Which countries do you want to include (‘designate') in your patent protection? Designation fees must be paid.</li> </ul> <p>After your patent is granted, you may claim damages for infringements originating as far back as the publication date of your application. However, to enjoy this right in some countries it may be necessary to file a translation of your claims with their national IP office and for them to publish the translated claims.</p> <h3>Stage 5  Substantive examination</h3> <p>If you request <strong>substantive examination</strong>, the EPO has to decide whether your invention <strong>and</strong> your application meet the requirements of the European Patent Convention. For maximum objectivity there are usually three EPO examiners, one of whom maintains contact with your patent attorney. This stage will often involve dialogue between the examiners and your patent attorney, which may result in the re-drafting of key parts of your application. Your patent attorney will defend your application, and this is one more reason why it is essential to have professional representation.</p> <h3>Stage 6  Decision to grant a patent</h3> <p>If the examiners decide to grant a patent, and all fees have been paid and any claims translations filed, the decision is reported in the European Patent Bulletin. The <strong>decision to grant</strong> takes effect on the date of publication.</p> <h3>Stage 7  Validation</h3> <p>What you have now got is a ‘bundle' of individual national patents. After the EPO decision to grant is published, your patent has to be <strong>validated</strong> in each designated state within a specific time limit. If this is not done, your patent may not be enforceable in that state. In some states, validation may include having to file (and pay for) a translation of the whole patent, or just a translation of the granted claims.</p> <h3>Stage 8  Opposition</h3> <p>A granted patent may be <strong>opposed</strong> by third parties - usually the applicant's competitors - if they believe it should not have been granted. After the grant is reported in the European Patent Bulletin they have nine months in which to file notice of opposition. The most common charge is that the invention is not novel or lacks an inventive step. The case will be examined by an EPO team, again of three examiners.</p> <p><strong>Opposition</strong> is the last chance to attack a European patent <strong>as a single entity in a single forum</strong>. Later, the patent can only be challenged in national courts and a ruling in one country has no effect on the patents for the same invention in other countries. This gives competitors a strong incentive to challenge an invention during the opposition period, as challenging patents in separate national courts can be much more expensive.</p> <h3>Stage 9  Appeal</h3> <p>All EPO decisions are open to appeal. Responsibility for decisions on appeals is taken by independent boards of appeal.</p> </dd> <dt>Patenting strategy</dt> <dd> <p>There is more to patenting than simply meeting the formal requirements of a patent office. You should try to fit your patent application into the broader framework of developing your invention. Points to discuss with your patent attorney may include these:</p> <h2>When to apply</h2> <p>Because of the formality of the patent application process, the <strong>timing</strong> of your application may make a big difference to the pressures you find yourself under later. Is it better to apply for a patent earlier, or later?</p> <p>There is no easy answer to this question. Many inventors are keen to apply for a patent as early as possible - yet many successful companies delay filing until products are almost ready for market.</p> <p>One disadvantage of early filing is that you may incur substantial costs before you know whether your idea is commercially viable. Applicants have up to two years from filing before becoming liable for significant patent fees, but this is rarely long enough to reach a licensing agreement with a company. It may not even be long enough to establish the commercial prospects of an invention.</p> <p>One disadvantage of late filing is that someone may file a very similar idea before you.</p> <p>For many private inventors, cost will be a major factor. The later you file, the longer you delay the costs. But how late can you afford to leave it? <strong>As long as he or she knows all the facts</strong>, your patent attorney may be able to identify an optimum date for filing, and advise on the steps you can take to protect your idea in the meantime.</p> <h2>Pressure to patent</h2> <p>You may be tempted to apply for a patent prematurely because business advisers or potential licensee companies tell you that this is what you should do. Always consider whose interests are best served by this advice. In many cases there will be little benefit in it for you.</p> <h2>Continuing prior art searching</h2> <p>The world does not stand still once you have filed your application. You <strong>must</strong> keep up your patent and product searching, as something may happen after you have filed which may affect your later decision whether to continue with your application.</p> <h2>Licensing or business start-up?</h2> <p>The period between filing and requesting substantive examination should be used to seek opportunities to exploit the invention. Even if your preference is a licensing agreement, it may be worth setting a date after which you plan instead for business start-up. The reason is that if no company shows interest in your idea, you do not want to reach substantive examination stage with no other option to pursue.</p> <h2>Re-filing</h2> <p>You may be able to gain extra time to seek a licensing agreement by withdrawing your application and re-filing it later. This is a tactic that you <strong>must</strong> discuss with your patent attorney, or you may lose more than you gain.</p> <h2>Temporary advantage</h2> <p>It is possible to use a patent application for purely temporary advantage, and to decline substantive examination. For example, you might wish to use it to protect your idea for long enough to achieve your exploitation objectives. Again, you <strong>must</strong> discuss this with your patent attorney as there may be risks that you have not considered. One almost certain outcome of abandoning an application is that you will find it much more difficult - in fact, probably impossible - to license your invention to anyone. </p> <p>Just having your patent application published may be enough. Once published, potential customers and business partners can find out about your invention and contact you if they are interested. Your published application will also be prior art, which could prevent competitors from patenting the same or a similar idea in the future. This might leave you free to operate in that market even if your application is not subsequently granted. If this suits your business strategy, you might then choose to go no further with the patenting process, especially if you could not afford the expense of acquiring or subsequently enforcing a patent.</p> <h2>Funding</h2> <p>A granted patent may help persuade investors that your idea is worth backing, and by that means the cost of patenting may be covered. You should therefore think of a patent not just as a means of protecting the idea, but also as an instrument for raising funding.</p> </dd> </dl> <div class="ckeditor-template ckeditor-template-media-text ckeditor-template-media-text-2-col"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-xs-12 col-sm-6"> <div class="ratio portrait-image"> </div> <div class="blue-background panel-card"> <div class="panel-card-header"> <h4 class="icon-eye">See also</h4> </div> <div class="panel-card-content"><a class="icon-link_internal" href="https://www.epo.org/en/service-support/subscription-centre/subscribe">Subscribe to EPO mailings</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="col-xs-12 col-sm-6"> <div class="ratio portrait-image"> </div> </div> </div> </div></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </article> </div> </div> <div class="container"> </div> </main> <footer class="mt-auto footer-dark text-light" data-elastic-exclude> <a id="footer" tabindex="-1"></a> <div 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