CINXE.COM

Communiqués | epo.org

<!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en" dir="ltr" class="h-100"> <head> <meta charset="utf-8" /> <script>var _mtm = window._mtm = window._mtm || [];_mtm.push({"mtm.startTime": (new Date().getTime()), "event": "mtm.Start"});var d = document, g = d.createElement("script"), s = d.getElementsByTagName("script")[0];g.type = "text/javascript";g.async = true;g.src="https://matomo.epo.org/js/container_SPKJjzc5.js";s.parentNode.insertBefore(g, s);</script> <meta name="description" content="32nd meeting of the Select Committee of the Administrative Council held in Munich (9 and 10 October 2024) 180th meeting of the Administrative Council of the European Patent Organisation (Munich, 10 and 11 October 2024)" /> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.epo.org/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques" /> <meta name="title_content" content="Communiqués" class="elastic" /> <meta name="body" content="&lt;p&gt;&lt;a class=&quot;icon-link_anchor&quot; href=&quot;#SC/32&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;32nd meeting of the Select Committee of the Administrative Council held in Munich (9 and 10 October 2024)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a class=&quot;icon-link_anchor&quot; href=&quot;#AC/180&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;180th meeting of the Administrative Council of the European Patent Organisation (Munich, 10 and 11 October 2024)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a class=&quot;icon-link_anchor&quot; href=&quot;#AC/179&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;179th meeting of the Administrative Council of the European Patent Organisation (Munich, 27 and 28 June 2024)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a class=&quot;icon-link_anchor&quot; href=&quot;#SC/31&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;31st meeting of the Select Committee of the Administrative Council held in Munich &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang=&quot;DE&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;(Munich, 21 March 2024)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a class=&quot;icon-link_anchor&quot; href=&quot;#AC/178&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;178th meeting of the Administrative Council of the European Patent Organisation (Munich, 19-20 March 2024)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;hr&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;a id=&quot;SC/32&quot; name=&quot;SC/32&quot;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;Munich, 10 October 2024&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;h3&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;strong&gt;32nd meeting of the Select Committee of the Administrative Council held in Munich (9 and 10 October 2024)&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Select Committee of the European Patent Organisation held its 32nd meeting in Munich on 9 and 10 October 2024 under its Chairperson Mr Jérôme DEBRULLE (BE).&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Committee unanimously elected Mr Paul VAN BEUKERING (NL) as chairperson of the Select Committee of the Administrative Council and unanimously re-elected Ms Simona MARZETTI (IT) as deputy chairperson for a renewable three-year term of office, effective as of 27&amp;nbsp;March 2025. It also unanimously decided to admit the Unified Patent Court (UPC) as an observer.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Committee then noted the update by the Registrar of the UPC, Mr Alexander RAMSAY, on the latest UPC developments and achievements to date.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Office provided an update on the status of the operational and financial aspects of the Unitary Patent system for 2023 and the first half of 2024, emphasising the system’s popularity among users, as reflected by some 40 000 requests for unitary effect to date, and highlighting the constant increase throughout 2024 in the uptake rate, which had risen to 24.8% by the time of the meeting. Romania’s accession on 1&amp;nbsp;September&amp;nbsp;2024 marked the beginning of the second generation of Unitary Patents. Current figures indicate that most requests are coming from proprietors in EPC contracting states, with a significant proportion from SMEs and research centres. The Committee also noted the reports on the distribution of fees in Q1 and Q2 2024, showing a 20% higher than expected increase in overall fee income, and the application of the safety net mechanism for 2023 and the provisional settlement for 2024.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Committee then gave a unanimous favourable opinion on the draft statement of income and expenditure with regard to the implementation of the tasks relating to Unitary Patent protection in 2025.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Furthermore, the Committee received an update from the Office and the European Commission regarding their respective communication and promotional activities undertaken since the Committee’s previous meeting.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;After an exchange of views on the implementation of the 14th package of EU sanctions against Russia in procedures related to the Unitary Patent, the Committee gave a unanimous favourable opinion on the proposed amendment of Rule&amp;nbsp;5(2) UPR and requested that a draft decision be submitted as soon as possible for its approval in a written procedure.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Lastly the Committee noted the request by the Office to member states to inform it of any changes to the national measures relating to the Unitary Patent as soon as they become available.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;In closing, the Committee noted that its next meeting would take place in March 2025.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class=&quot;paragraph&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Council Secretariat&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;hr&gt; &lt;p class=&quot;paragraph&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;a id=&quot;AC/180&quot; name=&quot;AC/180&quot;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;Munich, 11 October 2024&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;h3 class=&quot;paragraph&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;180th meeting of the Administrative Council of the European Patent Organisation (Munich, 10 and 11 October 2024&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p class=&quot;paragraph&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Administrative Council of the European Patent Organisation held its 180th meeting in Munich in a hybrid format on 10 and 11 October 2024 under its Chairperson Josef KRATOCHVÍL (CZ).&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class=&quot;paragraph&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;After the Chairperson&#039;s activities report, the Council noted the Office’s comprehensive&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt; &lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;quarterly &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;activities report, &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;which highlighted the developments of the five drivers under the SP2028, as well as the dedicated update on the Office’s digital transformation journey through the IT programmes and pipelines.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt; &lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Council welcomed the Office’s achievements, including &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;the multifaceted approach to quality, record productivity, comprehensive engagement with users, and the availability of quantitative and qualitative data through KPIs. Regarding digital transformation, the emphasis on lean governance, simplification and humancentric use of AI was also welcomed.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt; Further, the Council also noted the management report of the President of the Boards of Appeal (PBoA) for 2024, including the achievement of the objective of settling 90% of appeals within 30 months, and warmly thanked the Boards of Appeal staff for their excellent results.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class=&quot;paragraph&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Council decided to re-elect Mr Josef KRATOCHVÍL as its Chairperson for another term of three years, with effect from 1 January 2025. Furthermore, the Council also took a number of decisions on individual appointments and decided to &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;ul&gt; &lt;li class=&quot;paragraph&quot;&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;elect Stefan HARASEK (AT) as Deputy Chairperson of the Committee on Patent Law; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li class=&quot;paragraph&quot;&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;re-appoint Mr Tom FEARNLEY (NO), Ms Hélène DUBOIS (FR) and Ms Margaret FROST (UK) as respectively deputy Chairperson, external member and alternate external member of the Supervisory Board of the Reserve Funds for Pensions and Social Security (RFPSS); &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li class=&quot;paragraph&quot;&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;re-appoint Ms Valeria FALCE and Mr Eero MANTERE as members of the Appeals Committee. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;p class=&quot;paragraph&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Council also decided on the appointment, reappointment and career progression of members of the Boards of Appeal and of the Enlarged Board of Appeal, based on proposals by the P&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;BoA&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class=&quot;paragraph&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Furthermore, the Council decided to take the necessary steps to extend the term of office of a member of the Board of Auditors, Mr. Hannes SCHUH (AT) for a period of 2 years and to take a decision in that regard at its December meeting.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Council unanimously adopted the draft decision inviting Bosnia and Herzegovina to accede to the European Patent Convention. It also authorised the President of the EPO to open negotiations on a validation agreement with the Republic of Djibouti on behalf of the European Patent &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Organisation and to conclude the validation agreement with the Republic of Costa Rica.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class=&quot;minutespoint&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;With regard to building matters, the Council gave a favourable opinion on the project proposals in The Hague, welcoming&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;the&amp;nbsp;optimisation of office space and energy consumption and the Office’s long term financial sustainability&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class=&quot;paragraph&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Turning to personnel matters, the Council unanimously adopted the review of the conditions of employment for the Office’s interpreters, welcoming the long-term and cost-effective solution developed by the Office. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class=&quot;SNNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Council noted the reports from the chairpersons of its various bodies on their recent meetings, namely of the Boards of Appeal Committee and the Committee on Patent Law. In particular, the Council noted the report of the Chairperson of the Committee on Patent Law on its 60th meeting, including the exchange of views on the implementation of the 14th package of EU sanctions against Russia in EPC procedures. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Council also noted the presentation by the Office on the possible options for implementing the sanctions and requested the Office to continue the discussions at the November meeting of the Committee on Patent Law. Implementation in the Unitary Patent procedure was addressed by t&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;he Chairperson of the Select Committee, reporting on its latest meeting.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class=&quot;paragraph&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Finally, the Council was updated about the latest Unitary Patent developments by the Office and by the delegation of Hungary – the country holding the Presidency of the EU Council in the second half of 2024 – on its activities.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class=&quot;paragraph&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Council Secretariat&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;hr&gt; &lt;p class=&quot;paragraph&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;a id=&quot;AC/179&quot; name=&quot;AC/179&quot;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;Munich, 28 June 2024&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;h3 class=&quot;paragraph&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;179th meeting of the Administrative Council of the European Patent Organisation (Munich, 27 and 28 June 2024&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p class=&quot;paragraph&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Administrative Council of the European Patent Organisation held its 179th meeting in Munich in a hybrid format on 27 and 28 June 2024 under its Chairperson Josef KRATOCHVÍL (CZ).&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class=&quot;paragraph&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;After the Chairperson&#039;s activities report, the Council noted the Office’s comprehensive&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt; Annual Review report complemented by a video highlighting the Office’s continued progress over 2023&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;. &lt;span&gt;The main activities and major achievements of 2023 were presented, &lt;/span&gt;which included the 50-year celebrations,&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; the &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;entry into operations of &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;the &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Unitary Patent system, a review of&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; the &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;EPO’s fee policy, and the launch of the Observatory, marking a year defined by quality, inclusivity, co-operation and growth&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;. The Council congratulated the President and the staff on the results and welcomed the focus placed on quality and sustainability.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class=&quot;paragraph&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Office reported on the EPO Staff Survey 2024 results and received a favourable opinion on the lightly adjusted New Ways of Working policy. The Council also adopted the policy on the secondment of national experts (SNEs), &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;having noted the report evaluating the two-year SNE pilot project launched in 2022&lt;span&gt;. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class=&quot;minutespoint&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Council, as part of the modernisation of the EPO’s external governance proposed by the Chairperson,&lt;em&gt; &lt;/em&gt;unanimously&lt;em&gt; &lt;/em&gt;adopted a Code of Conduct on the prevention and management of conflicts of interest for the Administrative Council of the European Patent Organisation. In closed session, the Council adopted the decisions laying down the rules for appointing and reappointing, and extending the term of office of the President and Vice-Presidents of the European Patent Office and related amendments to its Rules of Procedure (RoP). The Council also noted the request from Bosnia and Herzegovina to be invited to accede to the EPC. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class=&quot;minutespoint&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Council further noted the catalogue of co-operation projects under SP2028. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;It also authorised the President to open negotiations on validation agreements with the United Mexican States, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, and the Republic of Panama.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class=&quot;paragraph&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Further, the Council decided on the appointment, reappointment and career progression of members of the Boards of Appeal and of the Enlarged Board of Appeal, based on proposals by the President of the Boards of Appeal.&amp;nbsp;It unanimously decided to appoint Mr&amp;nbsp;Alexander&amp;nbsp;PFISTER (CH) as member and to renew the term of office of Mr&amp;nbsp;Colin&amp;nbsp;BIRSS&amp;nbsp;(GB) as external member of the Boards of Appeal Committee.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class=&quot;paragraph&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Finally, the Council noted the reports from the chairpersons of its various advisory bodies on their recent meetings, namely of the Technical and Operational Support Committee, Supervisory Board of the Reserve Funds for Pensions and Social Security, Budget and Finance Committee and the Select Committee. The Council was updated by the Office on the Unitary Patent, and informed &amp;nbsp;by the delegations of Belgium and Hungary (the countries &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;holding the Presidency of the EU Council in 2024, until 30 June&amp;nbsp;&lt;span&gt;and as of 1 July &lt;span&gt;respectively), about the latest developments, progress, and priorities on the Unitary Patent and the EU patent package, notably as regards unitary SPCs.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class=&quot;paragraph&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Council Secretariat&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;hr&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;a id=&quot;SC/31&quot; name=&quot;SC/31&quot;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;Munich, 21 March 2024&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;h3&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;31st meeting of the Select Committee of the Administrative Council held in Munich (21 March 2024)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Select Committee of the European Patent Organisation held its 31st meeting in Munich on 21 March 2024 under its Chairperson Mr Jérôme DEBRULLE (BE).&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Committee firstly noted the update by the Registrar of the Unified Patent Court (UPC), Mr Alexander Ramsay, on the latest UPC developments and its achievements to date. It also welcomed the information on the signing of the Seat agreement by the Italian government with regard to both the local division and the future Central division in Milan. Further, it welcomed the progress being made by Romania and Ireland, with the former soon to join UPC as its 18th member. The Committee then noted BUSINESSEUROPE’s concerns regarding Supplementary Protection Certificates (SPCs).&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Office gave an update on the status of the operational and financial aspects of the UP system, highlighting in particular the milestone just achieved, namely the registration of more than 22 000 Unitary Patents. At the time of the meeting, the uptake rate stood at 23.5%, &lt;/span&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;up from &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;22.3% during the second semester of&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt; 2023&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;, operations were running smoothly, and financial monitoring indicated that the UPP fee income for 2023 exceeded projections by 36% while costs were as projected. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Committee congratulated the Office on the successful implementation of the UPP.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Finally, the Committee was provided with a comprehensive update by the Office on the communication and promotional activities carried out since its last meeting, with a particular focus on the upcoming first anniversary of the UPP. The European Commission also gave an update on its ongoing efforts concerning UPP-related communication activities, and was invited to provide regular reports to the Committee. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Committee noted the state of play presented by the Office on the national measures accompanying the implementation of the UPP and the request by the Office to the member states participating in the UPP to promptly provide any updates on these measures as they become available. Furthermore, the Committee noted epi’s intervention on a technical issue related to the maintenance of the Unitary Patent register, in particular in relation to the address of the applicant on the date of filing, and the Office’s statement that the issue had been solved in the meantime.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;In closing, the Committee noted that its next meeting would take place in October 2024.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Council Secretariat&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;hr&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Munich, 19-20 March 2024&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;h3&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;a id=&quot;AC/178&quot; name=&quot;AC/178&quot;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;178th meeting of the Administrative Council of the European Patent Organisation (Munich, 19-20 March 2024)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Administrative Council of the European Patent Organisation held its 178th meeting in Munich in a hybrid format on 19 and 20 March 2024 under its Chairperson Josef KRATOCHVÍL (CZ)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; and its Deputy Chairperson, Borghildur ERLINGSD&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Ó&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;TTIR (IS). &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Council was presented with a quarterly report on the Office’s activities, as well as an intermediate report on the New Ways of Working (NWoW) pilot scheme. The Council welcomed the Office’s results, highlighting the unprecedented volume of patent applications, and the achievements of the past months, including the development and improvement of IT tools, the Quality dashboard and Quality Action Plan, the continued active dialogue with users, the patent intelligence services and products, and the long-term sustainability agenda. The Council further welcomed the comprehensive intermediate report on the results achieved since the launch of NWoW in September 2022. Delegations discussed several aspects of the pilot scheme, including the flexibility it provides, the improved work life balance, quality and efficiency of the work undertaken from home, the onboarding of new staff, and the impact on organisational culture. &amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Council also noted the management report of the President of the Boards of Appeal for 2023 and congratulated the Board’s staff for their excellent results.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Turning to key strategic decisions, the Council unanimously approved the Strategic Plan 2028 and the corresponding Annual Work Plan 2024. The Council praised the renewed strategic vision of SP2028, highlighting financial sustainability, the importance of digital transformation and the integration of AI tools into the patent granting process, the focus on high quality and timely products and services, the co-operation with the NPOs, the proactive focus on partnerships and the corresponding KPIs. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;As part of the modernisation of the EPO’s external governance proposed by the Chairperson, the Council, meeting in closed session, gave a favourable opinion on a proposal regarding appointment/reappointment procedures for the President and Vice-Presidents and voting on (re)elections, (re)appointments and extensions in secret ballot, and noted that the Chairperson, working with the Board of the Administrative Council, will prepare a consolidated version to be submitted to the Council in June. Furthermore, the Council gave a unanimous favourable opinion on a proposal for a Code of Conduct for the Council. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Regarding appointments, the Council unanimously decided to:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;ul&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;re-elect Mr Antti RIIVARI&amp;nbsp;(FI) as chairperson of the Committee on Patent Law for a term of office of three years, with effect from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2027, such term of office being renewable;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;elect Mr&amp;nbsp;Adam&amp;nbsp;WILLIAMS&amp;nbsp;(GB) as member of the Board of the Administrative Council for a term of office of three years, with effect from 20 March 2024 to 19 March 2027, as well as Mr&amp;nbsp;Agris&amp;nbsp;BATALAUSKIS&amp;nbsp;(LV), as member of the Board of the Administrative Council for a term of office of three years, with effect from 27 June 2024 to 26 June 2027, such terms of office being non-renewable;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;re-appoint Mr Julyan ELBRO&amp;nbsp;(GB) as alternate member of the Boards of Appeal Committee for a term of office of three years, with effect from 23 March 2024 to 22 March 2027, such term of office being renewable or extendable.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Council also decided on the appointment and re-appointment of members of the Boards of Appeal, based on proposals by the President of the Boards of Appeal.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;As regards legal and international affairs, the Council:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;ul&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;unanimously approved two recommendations, namely one for a common practice as regards allowable features in drawings and the other for a common practice as regards issuing and accepting electronic priority documents;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;unanimously authorised the President to conclude a validation agreement between the Lao People&#039;s Democratic Republic and the European Patent Organisation, and to open negotiations on a validation agreement with the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;As regards building matters, the Council noted the information on the new premises of the EPO sub-office in Berlin provided by the Office and by the head of the German delegation, and welcomed the steps announced as regards the completion of that important project within the timeframe foreseen.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Furthermore, the Council noted the reports of the respective Chairpersons of the Committee on Patent Law, and of the Boards of Appeal Committee respectively.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Finally, an update on Unitary Patent protection was presented by the Office, by the Belgian delegation, Belgium being the country to hold the presidency of the Council of the European Union for the first half of 2024, and by the Chairperson of the Select Committee. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Council Secretariat&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;" class="elastic" /> <meta name="description_content" content="Read the communiqués of the Administrative Council of the European Patent Organisation and its Select Committee in full text." class="elastic" /> <meta name="tags_label" content="Decisions" class="elastic" /> <meta name="language" content="en" class="elastic" /> <meta name="node_url" content="/about-us/administrative-council/communiques" class="elastic" /> <meta name="content_type_machine" content="page" class="elastic" /> <meta name="publication_date_content" content="2013-12-13" class="elastic" /> <meta name="partial_breadcrumb" content="About us: /en/about-us, Administrative Council and subsidiary bodies: /en/about-us/administrative-council" class="elastic" /> <meta name="tags_id" content="53136" class="elastic" /> <meta name="content_type" content="Basic page" class="elastic" /> <meta name="node_id" content="447337" class="elastic" /> <meta name="keywords_content" content="Communiqué, Administrative Council, European Patent Organisation, decisions" class="elastic" /> <meta name="Generator" content="Drupal 10 (https://www.drupal.org)" /> <meta name="MobileOptimized" content="width" /> <meta name="HandheldFriendly" content="true" /> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0" /> <style>div#sliding-popup, div#sliding-popup .eu-cookie-withdraw-banner, .eu-cookie-withdraw-tab {background: #0779bf} div#sliding-popup.eu-cookie-withdraw-wrapper { background: transparent; } #sliding-popup h1, #sliding-popup h2, #sliding-popup h3, #sliding-popup p, #sliding-popup label, #sliding-popup div, .eu-cookie-compliance-more-button, .eu-cookie-compliance-secondary-button, .eu-cookie-withdraw-tab { color: #ffffff;} .eu-cookie-withdraw-tab { border-color: #ffffff;}</style> <link rel="icon" href="/themes/custom/epo_org/favicon.ico" type="image/vnd.microsoft.icon" /> <link rel="alternate" hreflang="en" href="https://www.epo.org/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques" /> <link rel="alternate" hreflang="de" href="https://www.epo.org/de/about-us/administrative-council/communiques" /> <link rel="alternate" hreflang="fr" href="https://www.epo.org/fr/about-us/administrative-council/communiques" /> <title>Communiqués | epo.org</title> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/sites/default/files/css/css_ea3vC1ulaTohVuQA0IwVVSyljj5jGMBAiQzd24wi_PU.css?delta=0&amp;language=en&amp;theme=epo_org&amp;include=eJyNU9GS2yAM_CEnvNz_MBhkR41ADJKbpl9_4Fwc7Evn-sJIuwujWS3-CgGVix2ZVbS4bNWNYtox-CeJKUDSkdhfTVcP5O68qOeYOVVQzBH4WXEmp1Ac_Ycycmg6bwVjJrDOey4BOZk3WKcbF9Wd6AF0Cu9KMPu2Z3lJGvjWP7FhnQ6n4iKYI9Aropt3gtZ3fIEJCiQPdkKgfqQD091Z17Vvexb-qNm3PYtK_Txr3_G_MQCbQ7_j4dbc4kWAzD_wVU9Yo_MshnxhZblhBvMqz5hQh68XMucl2zVlYt5gg9xFIZrRCQxbdj--9RFEqsc1y1zAJC7REf7dX9nK0y85tTiK9vxMPDo6id4J0zxAZstl_gYvNRN8xRaNOi26uivzDrQBJreQvn7XK8dbdZ4KJ4UUhmalmPVsH2Cp-xlB65exwh4dWbm4Ugf4CnU16zAnWAJXUpOs63sYuNETUnusxoaqS28ubTPZG-rlab-ONsJc052Wh-c90EYA-QTjCrxt" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/sites/default/files/css/css_jem4Nf7_-H1qaUJiTZqCot-RPPsYJ_pd0OgjjzTgb4k.css?delta=1&amp;language=en&amp;theme=epo_org&amp;include=eJyNU9GS2yAM_CEnvNz_MBhkR41ADJKbpl9_4Fwc7Evn-sJIuwujWS3-CgGVix2ZVbS4bNWNYtox-CeJKUDSkdhfTVcP5O68qOeYOVVQzBH4WXEmp1Ac_Ycycmg6bwVjJrDOey4BOZk3WKcbF9Wd6AF0Cu9KMPu2Z3lJGvjWP7FhnQ6n4iKYI9Aropt3gtZ3fIEJCiQPdkKgfqQD091Z17Vvexb-qNm3PYtK_Txr3_G_MQCbQ7_j4dbc4kWAzD_wVU9Yo_MshnxhZblhBvMqz5hQh68XMucl2zVlYt5gg9xFIZrRCQxbdj--9RFEqsc1y1zAJC7REf7dX9nK0y85tTiK9vxMPDo6id4J0zxAZstl_gYvNRN8xRaNOi26uivzDrQBJreQvn7XK8dbdZ4KJ4UUhmalmPVsH2Cp-xlB65exwh4dWbm4Ugf4CnU16zAnWAJXUpOs63sYuNETUnusxoaqS28ubTPZG-rlab-ONsJc052Wh-c90EYA-QTjCrxt" /> </head> <body class="path-node page-node-type-page "> <a href="#main-content" class="visually-hidden focusable skip-link"> Skip to main content </a> <a href="#footer" class="visually-hidden focusable skip-link"> Skip to footer </a> <div class="dialog-off-canvas-main-canvas d-flex flex-column h-100" data-off-canvas-main-canvas> <header data-elastic-exclude> <div class="region region-header"> <div class="container-xl-header"> <div id="block-epologo" class="block block-fixed-block-content block-fixed-block-contentepo-logo"> <div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><div class="block block-system block-system-branding-block contextual-region" id="block-epo-org-branding"> <div class="align-items-center d-flex navbar-brand"><a aria-label="Home" class="site-logo d-block" href="/" tabindex="0" title="EPO logo: go to homepage"><img alt="Home" class="img-logo" src="/themes/custom/epo_org/logo.svg"><img alt="Home" class="img-logo-mobile" src="/themes/custom/epo_org/logo_mobile.svg"> </a></div> </div></div> </div> </div> <div id="block-homelogo" class="block block-fixed-block-content block-fixed-block-contenthome-logo"> <div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><div aria-label="Home logo" class="align-items-center d-flex home-logo navbar-brand" role="button" tabindex="0"> <div class="only-icon">&nbsp;</div> </div></div> </div> </div> <div id="block-megamenu" class="block block-tb-megamenu block-tb-megamenu-menu-blockmegamenu"> <style type="text/css"> .tbm.animate .tbm-item > .tbm-submenu, .tbm.animate.slide .tbm-item > .tbm-submenu > div { transition-delay: 0ms; -webkit-transition-delay: 0ms; -ms-transition-delay: 0ms; -o-transition-delay: 0ms; transition-duration: 1000ms; -webkit-transition-duration: 1000ms; -ms-transition-duration: 1000ms; -o-transition-duration: 1000ms; } </style> <nav class="tbm tbm-megamenu tbm-arrows animate slide" id="efb0a583-4ab0-4590-87f4-ecc6ecaabbde" data-breakpoint="1200" data-duration="1000" data-delay="0" aria-label="megamenu navigation"> <button class="tbm-button" type="button"> <span class="tbm-button-container"> <span></span> <span></span> <span></span> <span></span> </span> </button> <div class="tbm-collapse "> <ul class="tbm-nav level-0 items-7" role="list" > <li class="tbm-item level-1" aria-level="1" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en" class="tbm-link level-1" data-elastic-exclude=""> Homepage </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-1 tbm-item--has-dropdown" aria-level="1" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <span class="tbm-link level-1 no-link tbm-toggle" tabindex="0" aria-expanded="false" data-elastic-exclude=""> Searching for patents </span> <button class="tbm-submenu-toggle always-show"><span class="visually-hidden" data-elastic-exclude>Toggle submenu</span></button> </div> <div class="tbm-submenu tbm-item-child" role="list"> <div class="tbm-row"> <div class="tbm-column span4"> <div class="tbm-column-inner"> <div class="tbm-block" data-elastic-exclude=""> <div class="block-inner"> <div id="block-block-content146e8185-3f0b-4af0-abf3-34224fdada6f" class="block block-block-content block-block-content146e8185-3f0b-4af0-abf3-34224fdada6f"> <div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><div class="legal-text-megamenu-block"> <h2>Patent knowledge</h2> <p>Access our patent databases and search tools.</p> <p><a class="secondary-button button-icon icon-arrow-right" href="/searching-for-patents" role="button" tabindex="-1">Go to overview</a>&nbsp;</p> </div></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="tbm-column span4"> <div class="tbm-column-inner"> <ul class="tbm-subnav level-1 items-7" role="list"> <li class="tbm-item level-2" aria-level="2" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents" class="tbm-link level-2" data-elastic-exclude=""> Overview </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-2 tbm-item--has-flyout" aria-level="2" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <span class="tbm-link level-2 no-link tbm-toggle" tabindex="0" aria-expanded="false" data-elastic-exclude=""> Technical information </span> <button class="tbm-submenu-toggle always-show"><span class="visually-hidden" data-elastic-exclude>Toggle submenu</span></button> </div> <div class="tbm-submenu tbm-item-child" role="list"> <div class="tbm-row"> <div class="tbm-column span12"> <div class="tbm-column-inner"> <ul class="tbm-subnav level-2 items-6" role="list"> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technical" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Overview </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technical/espacenet" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Espacenet - patent search </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technical/publication-server" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> European Publication Server </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technical/ep-full-text" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> EP full-text search </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technical/patent-additions" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Bibliographic coverage in Espacenet and OPS </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technical/full-text-additions" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Full-text coverage in Espacenet and OPS </a> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-2 tbm-item--has-flyout" aria-level="2" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <span class="tbm-link level-2 no-link tbm-toggle" tabindex="0" aria-expanded="false" data-elastic-exclude=""> Legal information </span> <button class="tbm-submenu-toggle always-show"><span class="visually-hidden" data-elastic-exclude>Toggle submenu</span></button> </div> <div class="tbm-submenu tbm-item-child" role="list"> <div class="tbm-row"> <div class="tbm-column span12"> <div class="tbm-column-inner"> <ul class="tbm-subnav level-2 items-5" role="list"> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/legal" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Overview </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/legal/register" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> European Patent Register </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/legal/bulletin" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> European Patent Bulletin </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/legal/ecli-sitemap" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> European Case Law Identifier sitemap </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/legal/observations" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Third-party observations </a> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-2 tbm-item--has-flyout" aria-level="2" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <span class="tbm-link level-2 no-link tbm-toggle" tabindex="0" aria-expanded="false" data-elastic-exclude=""> Business information </span> <button class="tbm-submenu-toggle always-show"><span class="visually-hidden" data-elastic-exclude>Toggle submenu</span></button> </div> <div class="tbm-submenu tbm-item-child" role="list"> <div class="tbm-row"> <div class="tbm-column span12"> <div class="tbm-column-inner"> <ul class="tbm-subnav level-2 items-4" role="list"> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/business" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Overview </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/business/patstat" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> PATSTAT </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/business/ipscore" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> IPscore </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/business/patent-insight-reports" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Patent insight reports </a> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-2 tbm-item--has-flyout" aria-level="2" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <span class="tbm-link level-2 no-link tbm-toggle" tabindex="0" aria-expanded="false" data-elastic-exclude=""> Data </span> <button class="tbm-submenu-toggle always-show"><span class="visually-hidden" data-elastic-exclude>Toggle submenu</span></button> </div> <div class="tbm-submenu tbm-item-child" role="list"> <div class="tbm-row"> <div class="tbm-column span12"> <div class="tbm-column-inner"> <ul class="tbm-subnav level-2 items-5" role="list"> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/data" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Overview </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/data/linked-open-data" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Linked open EP data </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/data/bulk-data-sets" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Bulk data sets </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/data/web-services" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Web services </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/data/coverage" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Coverage, codes and statistics </a> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-2 tbm-item--has-flyout" aria-level="2" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <span class="tbm-link level-2 no-link tbm-toggle" tabindex="0" aria-expanded="false" data-elastic-exclude=""> Technology platforms </span> <button class="tbm-submenu-toggle always-show"><span class="visually-hidden" data-elastic-exclude>Toggle submenu</span></button> </div> <div class="tbm-submenu tbm-item-child" role="list"> <div class="tbm-row"> <div class="tbm-column span12"> <div class="tbm-column-inner"> <ul class="tbm-subnav level-2 items-7" role="list"> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Overview </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/water-technologies" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Water innovation </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/space-innovation" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Space innovation </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/technologies-combatting-cancer" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Technologies combatting cancer </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/firefighting" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Firefighting technologies </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/clean-energy" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Clean energy technologies </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/fighting-coronavirus" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Fighting coronavirus </a> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-2 tbm-item--has-flyout" aria-level="2" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <span class="tbm-link level-2 no-link tbm-toggle" tabindex="0" aria-expanded="false" data-elastic-exclude=""> Helpful resources </span> <button class="tbm-submenu-toggle always-show"><span class="visually-hidden" data-elastic-exclude>Toggle submenu</span></button> </div> <div class="tbm-submenu tbm-item-child" role="list"> <div class="tbm-row"> <div class="tbm-column span12"> <div class="tbm-column-inner"> <ul class="tbm-subnav level-2 items-8" role="list"> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Overview </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/first-time-here" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> First time here? </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Asian patent information </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/patlib" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Patent information centres </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/patent-translate" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Patent Translate </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/patent-knowledge-news" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Patent Knowledge News </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/business-and-statistics" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Business and statistics </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/unitary-patent-information" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Unitary Patent information in patent knowledge </a> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="tbm-column span4"> <div class="tbm-column-inner"> <div class="tbm-block" data-elastic-exclude=""> <div class="block-inner"> <div id="block-block-contentcef6030f-7dc0-42e9-9822-d4dd5705ae45" class="block block-block-content block-block-contentcef6030f-7dc0-42e9-9822-d4dd5705ae45"> <div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p><img alt="Patent Knowledge Forum" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cdb140c7-f0b3-4925-96b6-1ff4470f947b" data-image-style="ratio_4_3" loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/ratio_4_3/public/inline-images/patent-knowledge-forum-720x237px.jpg?itok=dpOc2y8n" width="720" height="237" class="image-style-ratio-4-3"></p> <p><a href="https://www.epo.org/en/news-events/events/patent-knowledge-forum-2024">Join the Patent Knowledge Forum on 4 December 2024</a></p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-1 tbm-item--has-dropdown" aria-level="1" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <span class="tbm-link level-1 no-link tbm-toggle" tabindex="0" aria-expanded="false" data-elastic-exclude=""> Applying for a patent </span> <button class="tbm-submenu-toggle always-show"><span class="visually-hidden" data-elastic-exclude>Toggle submenu</span></button> </div> <div class="tbm-submenu tbm-item-child" role="list"> <div class="tbm-row"> <div class="tbm-column span4"> <div class="tbm-column-inner"> <div class="tbm-block" data-elastic-exclude=""> <div class="block-inner"> <div id="block-block-content0c4455aa-ad46-4489-8a1d-d4b1c55cdc22" class="block block-block-content block-block-content0c4455aa-ad46-4489-8a1d-d4b1c55cdc22"> <div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><div class="legal-text-megamenu-block"> <h2>Applying for a patent</h2> <p>Practical information on filing and grant procedures.</p> <p><a class="secondary-button button-icon icon-arrow-right" href="/applying" role="button" tabindex="-1">Go to overview</a>&nbsp;</p> </div></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="tbm-column span4"> <div class="tbm-column-inner"> <ul class="tbm-subnav level-1 items-8" role="list"> <li class="tbm-item level-2" aria-level="2" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/applying" class="tbm-link level-2" data-elastic-exclude=""> Overview </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-2 tbm-item--has-flyout" aria-level="2" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <span class="tbm-link level-2 no-link tbm-toggle" tabindex="0" aria-expanded="false" data-elastic-exclude=""> European route </span> <button class="tbm-submenu-toggle always-show"><span class="visually-hidden" data-elastic-exclude>Toggle submenu</span></button> </div> <div class="tbm-submenu tbm-item-child" role="list"> <div class="tbm-row"> <div class="tbm-column span12"> <div class="tbm-column-inner"> <ul class="tbm-subnav level-2 items-8" role="list"> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/applying/european" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Overview </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/legal/guide-epc" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> European Patent Guide </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/applying/european/oppositions" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Oppositions </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/applying/european/oral-proceedings" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Oral proceedings </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/applying/european/appeals" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Appeals </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/applying/european/unitary" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Unitary Patent &amp; Unified Patent Court </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/applying/european/validation" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> National validation </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/applying/international/request-extension-validation" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Request for extension/validation </a> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-2 tbm-item--has-flyout" aria-level="2" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <span class="tbm-link level-2 no-link tbm-toggle" tabindex="0" aria-expanded="false" data-elastic-exclude=""> International route (PCT) </span> <button class="tbm-submenu-toggle always-show"><span class="visually-hidden" data-elastic-exclude>Toggle submenu</span></button> </div> <div class="tbm-submenu tbm-item-child" role="list"> <div class="tbm-row"> <div class="tbm-column span12"> <div class="tbm-column-inner"> <ul class="tbm-subnav level-2 items-9" role="list"> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/applying/international" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Overview </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/legal/guide-europct" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Euro-PCT Guide – PCT procedure at the EPO </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/applying/international/decisions" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> EPO decisions and notices </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/applying/international/provisions" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> PCT provisions and resources </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/applying/international/request-extension-validation" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Extension/validation request </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/applying/international/reinforced-partnership-faq" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Reinforced partnership programme </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/applying/international/accelerating-application" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Accelerating your PCT application </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/applying/international/patent-prosecution-highway" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/applying/international/training-events" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Training and events </a> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-2" aria-level="2" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/applying/national" class="tbm-link level-2" data-elastic-exclude=""> National route </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-2" aria-level="2" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/applying/representatives" class="tbm-link level-2" data-elastic-exclude=""> Find a professional representative </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-2 tbm-item--has-flyout" aria-level="2" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <span class="tbm-link level-2 no-link tbm-toggle" tabindex="0" aria-expanded="false" data-elastic-exclude=""> MyEPO services </span> <button class="tbm-submenu-toggle always-show"><span class="visually-hidden" data-elastic-exclude>Toggle submenu</span></button> </div> <div class="tbm-submenu tbm-item-child" role="list"> <div class="tbm-row"> <div class="tbm-column span12"> <div class="tbm-column-inner"> <ul class="tbm-subnav level-2 items-6" role="list"> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/applying/myepo-services" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Overview </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/applying/myepo-services/understand" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Understand our services </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/applying/myepo-services/get-access" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Get access </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/applying/myepo-services/file-with-us" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> File with us </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/applying/myepo-services/interact" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Interact with us on your files </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/applying/myepo-services/online-filing-outages" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Online Filing &amp; fee payment outages </a> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-2 tbm-item--has-flyout" aria-level="2" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <span class="tbm-link level-2 no-link tbm-toggle" tabindex="0" aria-expanded="false" data-elastic-exclude=""> Forms </span> <button class="tbm-submenu-toggle always-show"><span class="visually-hidden" data-elastic-exclude>Toggle submenu</span></button> </div> <div class="tbm-submenu tbm-item-child" role="list"> <div class="tbm-row"> <div class="tbm-column span12"> <div class="tbm-column-inner"> <ul class="tbm-subnav level-2 items-2" role="list"> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/applying/forms" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Overview </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/applying/forms/examination" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Request for examination </a> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-2 tbm-item--has-flyout" aria-level="2" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <span class="tbm-link level-2 no-link tbm-toggle" tabindex="0" aria-expanded="false" data-elastic-exclude=""> Fees </span> <button class="tbm-submenu-toggle always-show"><span class="visually-hidden" data-elastic-exclude>Toggle submenu</span></button> </div> <div class="tbm-submenu tbm-item-child" role="list"> <div class="tbm-row"> <div class="tbm-column span12"> <div class="tbm-column-inner"> <ul class="tbm-subnav level-2 items-6" role="list"> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/applying/fees" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Overview </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/applying/fees/fees" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> European fees (EPC) </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/applying/fees/international-fees" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> International fees (PCT) </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/applying/fees/unitary-patent-fees" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Unitary Patent fees (UP) </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/applying/fees/payment" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Fee payment and refunds </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/applying/fees/warning" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Warning </a> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="tbm-column span4"> <div class="tbm-column-inner"> <div class="tbm-block" data-elastic-exclude=""> <div class="block-inner"> <div id="block-block-content05f64cc2-dbe1-46ba-a1c3-185627531b84" class="block block-block-content block-block-content05f64cc2-dbe1-46ba-a1c3-185627531b84"> <div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p><span><span><span><a href="https://new.epo.org/en/applying/european/unitary"><img alt="UP" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e15e2ad0-dc73-44c8-b4ff-362da4929a4a" data-image-style="ratio_4_3" loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/ratio_4_3/public/inline-images/UP%20PCMM%201200x400.jpg?itok=Nf2zdo4y" width="1200" height="400" class="image-style-ratio-4-3"></a></span></span></span></p> <p><a href="https://new.epo.org/en/applying/european/unitary">Find out how the Unitary Patent can enhance your IP strategy</a></p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-1 tbm-item--has-dropdown" aria-level="1" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <span class="tbm-link level-1 no-link tbm-toggle" tabindex="0" aria-expanded="false" data-elastic-exclude=""> Law &amp; practice </span> <button class="tbm-submenu-toggle always-show"><span class="visually-hidden" data-elastic-exclude>Toggle submenu</span></button> </div> <div class="tbm-submenu tbm-item-child" role="list"> <div class="tbm-row"> <div class="tbm-column span4"> <div class="tbm-column-inner"> <div class="tbm-block" data-elastic-exclude=""> <div class="block-inner"> <div id="block-block-contentaa061933-389e-408f-9665-5234a745c15d" class="block block-block-content block-block-contentaa061933-389e-408f-9665-5234a745c15d"> <div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><div class="legal-text-megamenu-block"> <h2>Law &amp; practice</h2> <p>European patent law, the Official Journal and other legal texts.</p> <p><a class="secondary-button button-icon icon-arrow-right" href="/law-practice" role="button" tabindex="-1">Go to overview</a>&nbsp;</p> </div></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="tbm-column span4"> <div class="tbm-column-inner"> <ul class="tbm-subnav level-1 items-7" role="list"> <li class="tbm-item level-2" aria-level="2" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/law-practice" class="tbm-link level-2" data-elastic-exclude=""> Overview </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-2 tbm-item--has-flyout" aria-level="2" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <span class="tbm-link level-2 no-link tbm-toggle" tabindex="0" aria-expanded="false" data-elastic-exclude=""> Legal texts </span> <button class="tbm-submenu-toggle always-show"><span class="visually-hidden" data-elastic-exclude>Toggle submenu</span></button> </div> <div class="tbm-submenu tbm-item-child" role="list"> <div class="tbm-row"> <div class="tbm-column span12"> <div class="tbm-column-inner"> <ul class="tbm-subnav level-2 items-9" role="list"> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/legal" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Overview </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/legal/epc" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> European Patent Convention </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/legal/official-journal" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Official Journal </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/legal/guidelines" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Guidelines </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/legal/extension-validation-system" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Extension / validation system </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/legal/london-agreement" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> London Agreement </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/legal/national-law" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> National law relating to the EPC </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/legal/up-upc" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Unitary patent system </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/legal/national-measures-up" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> National measures relating to the Unitary Patent </a> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-2 tbm-item--has-flyout" aria-level="2" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <span class="tbm-link level-2 no-link tbm-toggle" tabindex="0" aria-expanded="false" data-elastic-exclude=""> Court practices </span> <button class="tbm-submenu-toggle always-show"><span class="visually-hidden" data-elastic-exclude>Toggle submenu</span></button> </div> <div class="tbm-submenu tbm-item-child" role="list"> <div class="tbm-row"> <div class="tbm-column span12"> <div class="tbm-column-inner"> <ul class="tbm-subnav level-2 items-2" role="list"> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/law-practice/court-practices" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Overview </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/law-practice/court-practices/european-patent-judges-symposium" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> European Patent Judges&#039; Symposium </a> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-2 tbm-item--has-flyout" aria-level="2" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <span class="tbm-link level-2 no-link tbm-toggle" tabindex="0" aria-expanded="false" data-elastic-exclude=""> User consultations </span> <button class="tbm-submenu-toggle always-show"><span class="visually-hidden" data-elastic-exclude>Toggle submenu</span></button> </div> <div class="tbm-submenu tbm-item-child" role="list"> <div class="tbm-row"> <div class="tbm-column span12"> <div class="tbm-column-inner"> <ul class="tbm-subnav level-2 items-3" role="list"> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/law-practice/consultation" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Overview </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/law-practice/consultation/ongoing" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Ongoing consultations </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/law-practice/consultation/completed-consultations" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Completed consultations </a> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-2 tbm-item--has-flyout" aria-level="2" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <span class="tbm-link level-2 no-link tbm-toggle" tabindex="0" aria-expanded="false" data-elastic-exclude=""> Substantive patent law harmonisation </span> <button class="tbm-submenu-toggle always-show"><span class="visually-hidden" data-elastic-exclude>Toggle submenu</span></button> </div> <div class="tbm-submenu tbm-item-child" role="list"> <div class="tbm-row"> <div class="tbm-column span12"> <div class="tbm-column-inner"> <ul class="tbm-subnav level-2 items-3" role="list"> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/law-practice/harmonisation" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Overview </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/law-practice/harmonisation/tegernsee-process" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> The Tegernsee process </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/law-practice/harmonisation/group-b-plus" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Group B+ </a> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-2" aria-level="2" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/law-practice/convergence-of-practice" class="tbm-link level-2" data-elastic-exclude=""> Convergence of practice </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-2" aria-level="2" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/law-practice/options-professional-representatives" class="tbm-link level-2" data-elastic-exclude=""> Options for professional representatives </a> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="tbm-column span4"> <div class="tbm-column-inner"> <div class="tbm-block" data-elastic-exclude=""> <div class="block-inner"> <div id="block-block-content6d94bc77-6525-4099-8a1b-7e1aa30736e5" class="block block-block-content block-block-content6d94bc77-6525-4099-8a1b-7e1aa30736e5"> <div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p><span><span><span><a href="/legal"><img alt="legal text" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="674807a7-d398-43ea-8a65-a1be03b2609a" data-image-style="ratio_4_3" loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/ratio_4_3/public/inline-images/Legal%20Text%20WEB_1920%20x%20640_2.jpg?itok=w8ryNFmz" width="1920" height="640" class="image-style-ratio-4-3"></a></span></span></span></p> <p><a href="https://new.epo.org/en/legal">Deepen your IP knowledge: access our legal texts collection </a></p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-1 tbm-item--has-dropdown" aria-level="1" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <span class="tbm-link level-1 no-link tbm-toggle" tabindex="0" aria-expanded="false" data-elastic-exclude=""> News &amp; events </span> <button class="tbm-submenu-toggle always-show"><span class="visually-hidden" data-elastic-exclude>Toggle submenu</span></button> </div> <div class="tbm-submenu tbm-item-child" role="list"> <div class="tbm-row"> <div class="tbm-column span4"> <div class="tbm-column-inner"> <div class="tbm-block" data-elastic-exclude=""> <div class="block-inner"> <div id="block-block-contentd5929d41-12bb-4de1-96d7-d76cc69658be" class="block block-block-content block-block-contentd5929d41-12bb-4de1-96d7-d76cc69658be"> <div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><h2>News &amp; events</h2> <p>Our latest news, podcasts and events, including the European Inventor Award.</p> <p><a class="secondary-button button-icon icon-arrow-right" href="/news-events" role="button" tabindex="-1">Go to overview</a>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="tbm-column span4"> <div class="tbm-column-inner"> <ul class="tbm-subnav level-1 items-8" role="list"> <li class="tbm-item level-2" aria-level="2" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/news-events" class="tbm-link level-2" data-elastic-exclude=""> Overview </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-2" aria-level="2" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/news-events/news" class="tbm-link level-2" data-elastic-exclude=""> News </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-2" aria-level="2" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/news-events/events" class="tbm-link level-2" data-elastic-exclude=""> Events </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-2 tbm-item--has-flyout" aria-level="2" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <span class="tbm-link level-2 no-link tbm-toggle" tabindex="0" aria-expanded="false" data-elastic-exclude=""> European Inventor Award </span> <button class="tbm-submenu-toggle always-show"><span class="visually-hidden" data-elastic-exclude>Toggle submenu</span></button> </div> <div class="tbm-submenu tbm-item-child" role="list"> <div class="tbm-row"> <div class="tbm-column span12"> <div class="tbm-column-inner"> <ul class="tbm-subnav level-2 items-7" role="list"> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/news-events/european-inventor-award" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Overview </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/news-events/european-inventor-award/about-award" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> About the award </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/news-events/european-inventor-award/categories-and-prizes" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Categories and prizes </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/news-events/european-inventor-award/meet-the-finalists" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Meet the finalists </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/news-events/european-inventor-award/nominations" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Nominations </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/news-events/european-inventor-award/european-inventor-network" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> European Inventor Network </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/news-events/european-inventor-award/2024-event" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> The 2024 event </a> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-2 tbm-item--has-flyout" aria-level="2" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <span class="tbm-link level-2 no-link tbm-toggle" tabindex="0" aria-expanded="false" data-elastic-exclude=""> Young Inventor Prize </span> <button class="tbm-submenu-toggle always-show"><span class="visually-hidden" data-elastic-exclude>Toggle submenu</span></button> </div> <div class="tbm-submenu tbm-item-child" role="list"> <div class="tbm-row"> <div class="tbm-column span12"> <div class="tbm-column-inner"> <ul class="tbm-subnav level-2 items-3" role="list"> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/news-events/young-inventors-prize" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Overview </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/news-events/young-inventors-prize/about-prize" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> About the prize </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/news-events/young-inventors-prize/nominations" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Nominations </a> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-2 tbm-item--has-flyout" aria-level="2" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <span class="tbm-link level-2 no-link tbm-toggle" tabindex="0" aria-expanded="false" data-elastic-exclude=""> Press centre </span> <button class="tbm-submenu-toggle always-show"><span class="visually-hidden" data-elastic-exclude>Toggle submenu</span></button> </div> <div class="tbm-submenu tbm-item-child" role="list"> <div class="tbm-row"> <div class="tbm-column span12"> <div class="tbm-column-inner"> <ul class="tbm-subnav level-2 items-8" role="list"> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/news-events/press-centre" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Overview </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/news-events/press-centre/patent-index-and-statistics" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Patent Index and statistics </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/news-events/press-centre/search-press-centre" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Search in press centre </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/news-events/press-centre/background" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Background information </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/news-events/press-centre/copyright" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Copyright </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/news-events/press-centre/contact" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Press contacts </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/call-back-form" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Call back form </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/email-alert-service" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Email alert service </a> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-2 tbm-item--has-flyout" aria-level="2" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <span class="tbm-link level-2 no-link tbm-toggle" tabindex="0" aria-expanded="false" data-elastic-exclude=""> Innovation and patenting in focus </span> <button class="tbm-submenu-toggle always-show"><span class="visually-hidden" data-elastic-exclude>Toggle submenu</span></button> </div> <div class="tbm-submenu tbm-item-child" role="list"> <div class="tbm-row"> <div class="tbm-column span12"> <div class="tbm-column-inner"> <ul class="tbm-subnav level-2 items-17" role="list"> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/news-events/in-focus" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Overview </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/news-events/in-focus/water" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Water-related technologies </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/news-events/in-focus/codefest" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> CodeFest </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/news-events/in-focus/green-tech" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Green tech in focus </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/news-events/in-focus/ip-and-youth" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> IP and youth </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/news-events/in-focus/research" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Research institutes </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/news-events/in-focus/women-inventors" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Women inventors </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/news-events/in-focus/lifestyle" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Lifestyle </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/news-events/in-focus/space" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Space and satellites </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/news-events/in-focus/medical-technologies" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> The future of medicine </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/news-events/in-focus/materials" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Materials science </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/news-events/in-focus/mobile-economy" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Mobile communications </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/news-events/in-focus/biotechnology-patents" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Biotechnology </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/news-events/in-focus/classification" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Patent classification </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/news-events/in-focus/ict" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Digital technologies </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/news-events/in-focus/future-of-manufacturing" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> The future of manufacturing </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/news-events/in-focus/books" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Books by EPO experts </a> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-2" aria-level="2" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/news-events/podcast" class="tbm-link level-2" data-elastic-exclude=""> &quot;Talk innovation&quot; podcast </a> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="tbm-column span4"> <div class="tbm-column-inner"> <div class="tbm-block" data-elastic-exclude=""> <div class="block-inner"> <div id="block-block-content8844fa32-4e62-4cf3-8d0b-5a333353a688" class="block block-block-content block-block-content8844fa32-4e62-4cf3-8d0b-5a333353a688"> <div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p><img alt="Podcast" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a2688235-b3f2-4bc9-8f3d-b80a4482a8ba" data-image-style="ratio_4_3" loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/ratio_4_3/public/inline-images/Podcast%20generic%201200x400%20%281%29.jpg?itok=m8jxruyJ" width="1200" height="400" class="image-style-ratio-4-3"></p> <p><a href="https://new.epo.org/en/news-events/podcast">From ideas to inventions: tune into our podcast for the latest in tech and IP</a></p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-1 tbm-item--has-dropdown" aria-level="1" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <span class="tbm-link level-1 no-link tbm-toggle" tabindex="0" aria-expanded="false" data-elastic-exclude=""> Learning </span> <button class="tbm-submenu-toggle always-show"><span class="visually-hidden" data-elastic-exclude>Toggle submenu</span></button> </div> <div class="tbm-submenu tbm-item-child" role="list"> <div class="tbm-row"> <div class="tbm-column span4"> <div class="tbm-column-inner"> <div class="tbm-block" data-elastic-exclude=""> <div class="block-inner"> <div id="block-block-content3f3a9305-da61-498e-9a6b-dde92ea31305" class="block block-block-content block-block-content3f3a9305-da61-498e-9a6b-dde92ea31305"> <div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><div class="legal-text-megamenu-block"> <h2>Learning</h2> <p>The European Patent Academy – the point of access to your learning</p> <p><a class="secondary-button button-icon icon-arrow-right" href="/learning" role="button" tabindex="-1">Go to overview</a>&nbsp;</p> </div></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="tbm-column span4"> <div class="tbm-column-inner"> <ul class="tbm-subnav level-1 items-5" role="list"> <li class="tbm-item level-2" aria-level="2" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/learning" class="tbm-link level-2" data-elastic-exclude=""> Overview </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-2 tbm-item--has-flyout" aria-level="2" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <span class="tbm-link level-2 no-link tbm-toggle" tabindex="0" aria-expanded="false" data-elastic-exclude=""> Learning activities and paths </span> <button class="tbm-submenu-toggle always-show"><span class="visually-hidden" data-elastic-exclude>Toggle submenu</span></button> </div> <div class="tbm-submenu tbm-item-child" role="list"> <div class="tbm-row"> <div class="tbm-column span12"> <div class="tbm-column-inner"> <ul class="tbm-subnav level-2 items-3" role="list"> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/learning/learning-activities-paths" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Overview </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/learning/learning-activities-paths/learning-activities-types-formats" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Learning activities </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/learning/learning-activities-paths/learning-paths" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Learning paths </a> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-2 tbm-item--has-flyout" aria-level="2" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <span class="tbm-link level-2 no-link tbm-toggle" tabindex="0" aria-expanded="false" data-elastic-exclude=""> EQE and EPAC </span> <button class="tbm-submenu-toggle always-show"><span class="visually-hidden" data-elastic-exclude>Toggle submenu</span></button> </div> <div class="tbm-submenu tbm-item-child" role="list"> <div class="tbm-row"> <div class="tbm-column span12"> <div class="tbm-column-inner"> <ul class="tbm-subnav level-2 items-3" role="list"> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/learning/eqe-epac" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Overview </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/learning/eqe-epac/european-qualifying-examination-eqe" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> EQE - European qualifying examination </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/learning/eqe-epac/epac-european-patent-administration-certification" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> EPAC - European patent administration certification </a> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-2 tbm-item--has-flyout" aria-level="2" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <span class="tbm-link level-2 no-link tbm-toggle" tabindex="0" aria-expanded="false" data-elastic-exclude=""> Learning resources by area of interest </span> <button class="tbm-submenu-toggle always-show"><span class="visually-hidden" data-elastic-exclude>Toggle submenu</span></button> </div> <div class="tbm-submenu tbm-item-child" role="list"> <div class="tbm-row"> <div class="tbm-column span12"> <div class="tbm-column-inner"> <ul class="tbm-subnav level-2 items-4" role="list"> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-area-interest" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Overview </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-area-interest/patent-granting" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Patent granting </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-area-interest/technology-transfer-and-dissemination" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Technology transfer and dissemination </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-area-interest/patent-enforcement-and-litigation" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Patent enforcement and litigation </a> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-2 tbm-item--has-flyout" aria-level="2" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <span class="tbm-link level-2 no-link tbm-toggle" tabindex="0" aria-expanded="false" data-elastic-exclude=""> Learning resources by profile </span> <button class="tbm-submenu-toggle always-show"><span class="visually-hidden" data-elastic-exclude>Toggle submenu</span></button> </div> <div class="tbm-submenu tbm-item-child" role="list"> <div class="tbm-row"> <div class="tbm-column span12"> <div class="tbm-column-inner"> <ul class="tbm-subnav level-2 items-7" role="list"> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Overview </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Business and IP managers </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/eqe-epac-candidates" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> EQE and EPAC Candidates </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/judges-lawyers-and-prosecutors" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Judges, lawyers and prosecutors </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/national-offices-and-ip-authorities" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> National offices and IP authorities </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/patent-attorneys-and-paralegals" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Patent attorneys and paralegals </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/universities-research-centres-and-technology-transfer-centres" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Universities, research centres and technology transfer centres (TTOs) </a> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="tbm-column span4"> <div class="tbm-column-inner"> <div class="tbm-block" data-elastic-exclude=""> <div class="block-inner"> <div id="block-block-content87900fb5-ae2b-4b2e-889b-3123aae5a782" class="block block-block-content block-block-content87900fb5-ae2b-4b2e-889b-3123aae5a782"> <div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p><span><span><span><a href="https://new.epo.org/en/learning/european-patent-academy"><img alt="European Patent Academy" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d9b69da8-6ab7-43dc-891b-b1ac3d692ddd" data-image-style="ratio_4_3" loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/ratio_4_3/public/inline-images/European%20Patent%20Academy%201200%20x%20400_0.jpg?itok=Hr8_ofjj" width="1200" height="400" class="image-style-ratio-4-3"></a></span></span></span></p> <p><a href="https://new.epo.org/en/learning/european-patent-academy">Boost your IP knowledge with (e-)training from the European Patent Academy</a></p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-1 tbm-item--has-dropdown active active-trail" aria-level="1" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <span class="tbm-link level-1 no-link tbm-toggle active-trail" tabindex="0" aria-expanded="false" data-elastic-exclude=""> About us </span> <button class="tbm-submenu-toggle always-show"><span class="visually-hidden" data-elastic-exclude>Toggle submenu</span></button> </div> <div class="tbm-submenu tbm-item-child" role="list"> <div class="tbm-row"> <div class="tbm-column span4"> <div class="tbm-column-inner"> <div class="tbm-block" data-elastic-exclude=""> <div class="block-inner"> <div id="block-block-content443659c5-b16f-4c58-88f3-ddc159f8b92b" class="block block-block-content block-block-content443659c5-b16f-4c58-88f3-ddc159f8b92b"> <div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><div class="legal-text-megamenu-block"> <h2>About us</h2> <p>Find out more about our work, values, history and vision</p> <p><a class="secondary-button button-icon icon-arrow-right" href="/about-us" role="button" tabindex="-1">Go to overview</a>&nbsp;</p> </div></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="tbm-column span4"> <div class="tbm-column-inner"> <ul class="tbm-subnav level-1 items-15" role="list"> <li class="tbm-item level-2" aria-level="2" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us" class="tbm-link level-2" data-elastic-exclude=""> Overview </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-2" aria-level="2" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/at-a-glance" class="tbm-link level-2" data-elastic-exclude=""> The EPO at a glance </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-2 tbm-item--has-flyout" aria-level="2" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <span class="tbm-link level-2 no-link tbm-toggle" tabindex="0" aria-expanded="false" data-elastic-exclude=""> 50 years of the EPC </span> <button class="tbm-submenu-toggle always-show"><span class="visually-hidden" data-elastic-exclude>Toggle submenu</span></button> </div> <div class="tbm-submenu tbm-item-child" role="list"> <div class="tbm-row"> <div class="tbm-column span12"> <div class="tbm-column-inner"> <ul class="tbm-subnav level-2 items-6" role="list"> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Overview </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/official-celebrations" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Official celebrations </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Member states’ video statements </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/50-leading-tech-voices" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> 50 Leading Tech Voices </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/athens-marathon" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Athens Marathon </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/kids-collaborative-art-competition" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Kids’ collaborative art competition </a> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-2 tbm-item--has-flyout" aria-level="2" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <span class="tbm-link level-2 no-link tbm-toggle" tabindex="0" aria-expanded="false" data-elastic-exclude=""> Legal foundations and member states </span> <button class="tbm-submenu-toggle always-show"><span class="visually-hidden" data-elastic-exclude>Toggle submenu</span></button> </div> <div class="tbm-submenu tbm-item-child" role="list"> <div class="tbm-row"> <div class="tbm-column span12"> <div class="tbm-column-inner"> <ul class="tbm-subnav level-2 items-5" role="list"> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/foundation" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Overview </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/foundation/legal-foundations" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Legal foundations </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/foundation/member-states" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Member states of the European Patent Organisation </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/foundation/extension-states" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Extension states </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/foundation/validation-states" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Validation states </a> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-2 tbm-item--has-flyout active active-trail" aria-level="2" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <span class="tbm-link level-2 no-link tbm-toggle active-trail" tabindex="0" aria-expanded="false" data-elastic-exclude=""> Administrative Council and subsidiary bodies </span> <button class="tbm-submenu-toggle always-show"><span class="visually-hidden" data-elastic-exclude>Toggle submenu</span></button> </div> <div class="tbm-submenu tbm-item-child" role="list"> <div class="tbm-row"> <div class="tbm-column span12"> <div class="tbm-column-inner"> <ul class="tbm-subnav level-2 items-5" role="list"> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Overview </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3 active active-trail" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques" class="tbm-link level-3 active-trail" data-elastic-exclude=""> Communiqués </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council/calendar" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Calendar </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council/documentation" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Documents and publications </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council/administrative-council" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Administrative Council </a> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-2 tbm-item--has-flyout" aria-level="2" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <span class="tbm-link level-2 no-link tbm-toggle" tabindex="0" aria-expanded="false" data-elastic-exclude=""> Principles &amp; strategy </span> <button class="tbm-submenu-toggle always-show"><span class="visually-hidden" data-elastic-exclude>Toggle submenu</span></button> </div> <div class="tbm-submenu tbm-item-child" role="list"> <div class="tbm-row"> <div class="tbm-column span12"> <div class="tbm-column-inner"> <ul class="tbm-subnav level-2 items-4" role="list"> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/office" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Overview </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/office/mission" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Our mission, vision, values and corporate policy </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/office/strategic-plan-2028" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Strategic Plan 2028 </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/office/new-normal" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Towards a New Normal </a> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-2 tbm-item--has-flyout" aria-level="2" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <span class="tbm-link level-2 no-link tbm-toggle" tabindex="0" aria-expanded="false" data-elastic-exclude=""> Leadership &amp; management </span> <button class="tbm-submenu-toggle always-show"><span class="visually-hidden" data-elastic-exclude>Toggle submenu</span></button> </div> <div class="tbm-submenu tbm-item-child" role="list"> <div class="tbm-row"> <div class="tbm-column span12"> <div class="tbm-column-inner"> <ul class="tbm-subnav level-2 items-3" role="list"> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/leadership-and-management" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Overview </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/leadership-and-management/president" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> President António Campinos </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/leadership-and-management/management-committee" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Management Advisory Committee </a> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-2 tbm-item--has-flyout" aria-level="2" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <span class="tbm-link level-2 no-link tbm-toggle" tabindex="0" aria-expanded="false" data-elastic-exclude=""> Sustainability at the EPO </span> <button class="tbm-submenu-toggle always-show"><span class="visually-hidden" data-elastic-exclude>Toggle submenu</span></button> </div> <div class="tbm-submenu tbm-item-child" role="list"> <div class="tbm-row"> <div class="tbm-column span12"> <div class="tbm-column-inner"> <ul class="tbm-subnav level-2 items-6" role="list"> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/sustainability-at-the-epo" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Overview </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/sustainability-at-the-epo/environmental" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Environmental </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/sustainability-at-the-epo/social" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Social </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/sustainability-at-the-epo/governance" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Governance and Financial sustainability </a> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-2 tbm-item--has-flyout" aria-level="2" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <span class="tbm-link level-2 no-link tbm-toggle" tabindex="0" aria-expanded="false" data-elastic-exclude=""> Services &amp; activities </span> <button class="tbm-submenu-toggle always-show"><span class="visually-hidden" data-elastic-exclude>Toggle submenu</span></button> </div> <div class="tbm-submenu tbm-item-child" role="list"> <div class="tbm-row"> <div class="tbm-column span12"> <div class="tbm-column-inner"> <ul class="tbm-subnav level-2 items-9" role="list"> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Overview </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/services" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Our services &amp; structure </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Quality </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/consulting-our-users" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Consulting our users </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/international-european-cooperation" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> European and international co-operation </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/academy" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> European Patent Academy </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/chief-economist" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Chief Economist </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/ombuds-office" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Ombuds Office </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/wrongdoing-reporting" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Reporting wrongdoing </a> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-2 tbm-item--has-flyout" aria-level="2" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <span class="tbm-link level-2 no-link tbm-toggle" tabindex="0" aria-expanded="false" data-elastic-exclude=""> Observatory on Patents and Technology </span> <button class="tbm-submenu-toggle always-show"><span class="visually-hidden" data-elastic-exclude>Toggle submenu</span></button> </div> <div class="tbm-submenu tbm-item-child" role="list"> <div class="tbm-row"> <div class="tbm-column span12"> <div class="tbm-column-inner"> <ul class="tbm-subnav level-2 items-7" role="list"> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/observatory-patents-and-technology" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Overview </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/observatory-patents-and-technology/about-observatory" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> About the Observatory </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/observatory-patents-and-technology/our-activities" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Our activities </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/observatory-patents-and-technology/our-topics" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Our topics </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/observatory-patents-and-technology/our-expert-networks" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Our partners and networks </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/observatory-patents-and-technology/digital-library" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Digital library </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/observatory-patents-and-technology/data-desk" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Data desk </a> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-2 tbm-item--has-flyout" aria-level="2" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <span class="tbm-link level-2 no-link tbm-toggle" tabindex="0" aria-expanded="false" data-elastic-exclude=""> Procurement </span> <button class="tbm-submenu-toggle always-show"><span class="visually-hidden" data-elastic-exclude>Toggle submenu</span></button> </div> <div class="tbm-submenu tbm-item-child" role="list"> <div class="tbm-row"> <div class="tbm-column span12"> <div class="tbm-column-inner"> <ul class="tbm-subnav level-2 items-10" role="list"> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/tenders" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Overview </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/tenders/procurement-forecast" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Procurement forecast </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/tenders/doing-business-with-the-epo" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Doing business with the EPO </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/tenders/procurement-procedures" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Procurement procedures </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/tenders/sustainable-procurement-policy" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Sustainable Procurement Policy </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/tenders/signatures" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> About eTendering and electronic signatures </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/tenders/procurement-portal" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Procurement portal </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/tenders/invoicing" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Invoicing </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/tenders/general-conditions" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> General conditions </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/tenders/archived-tenders" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Archived tenders </a> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-2 tbm-item--has-flyout" aria-level="2" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <span class="tbm-link level-2 no-link tbm-toggle" tabindex="0" aria-expanded="false" data-elastic-exclude=""> Transparency portal </span> <button class="tbm-submenu-toggle always-show"><span class="visually-hidden" data-elastic-exclude>Toggle submenu</span></button> </div> <div class="tbm-submenu tbm-item-child" role="list"> <div class="tbm-row"> <div class="tbm-column span12"> <div class="tbm-column-inner"> <ul class="tbm-subnav level-2 items-8" role="list"> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/transparency-portal" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Overview </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/transparency-portal/general" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> General </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/transparency-portal/human" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Human </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/transparency-portal/environmental" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Environmental </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/transparency-portal/organisational" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Organisational </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/transparency-portal/social-and-relational" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Social and relational </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/transparency-portal/economical" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Economic </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/transparency-portal/governance" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Governance </a> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-2 tbm-item--has-flyout" aria-level="2" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <span class="tbm-link level-2 no-link tbm-toggle" tabindex="0" aria-expanded="false" data-elastic-exclude=""> Statistics and trends </span> <button class="tbm-submenu-toggle always-show"><span class="visually-hidden" data-elastic-exclude>Toggle submenu</span></button> </div> <div class="tbm-submenu tbm-item-child" role="list"> <div class="tbm-row"> <div class="tbm-column span12"> <div class="tbm-column-inner"> <ul class="tbm-subnav level-2 items-5" role="list"> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/statistics" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Overview </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/statistics/statistics-centre" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Statistics &amp; Trends Centre </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/statistics/patent-index-2023" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Patent Index 2023 </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/statistics/epo-data-hub" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> EPO Data Hub </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/statistics/clarification-data-sources" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Clarification on data sources </a> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-2 tbm-item--has-flyout" aria-level="2" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <span class="tbm-link level-2 no-link tbm-toggle" tabindex="0" aria-expanded="false" data-elastic-exclude=""> History </span> <button class="tbm-submenu-toggle always-show"><span class="visually-hidden" data-elastic-exclude>Toggle submenu</span></button> </div> <div class="tbm-submenu tbm-item-child" role="list"> <div class="tbm-row"> <div class="tbm-column span12"> <div class="tbm-column-inner"> <ul class="tbm-subnav level-2 items-7" role="list"> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/timeline" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Overview </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/timeline/1970s" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> 1970s </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/timeline/1980s" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> 1980s </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/timeline/1990s" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> 1990s </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/timeline/2000s" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> 2000s </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/timeline/2010s" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> 2010s </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/timeline/2020s" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> 2020s </a> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-2 tbm-item--has-flyout" aria-level="2" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <span class="tbm-link level-2 no-link tbm-toggle" tabindex="0" aria-expanded="false" data-elastic-exclude=""> Art collection </span> <button class="tbm-submenu-toggle always-show"><span class="visually-hidden" data-elastic-exclude>Toggle submenu</span></button> </div> <div class="tbm-submenu tbm-item-child" role="list"> <div class="tbm-row"> <div class="tbm-column span12"> <div class="tbm-column-inner"> <ul class="tbm-subnav level-2 items-10" role="list"> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/art" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Overview </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/art/about" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> The collection </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/art/lets-talk-about-art" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Let&#039;s talk about art </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/art/collection" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Artists </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/art/art-film" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Media library </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/art/whats-on" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> What&#039;s on </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/art/publications" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Publications </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/art/contact" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Contact </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/art/50-years-epc-exhibition" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> Culture Space A&amp;T 5-10 </a> </div> </li> <li class="tbm-item level-3" aria-level="3" > <div class="tbm-link-container"> <a href="/en/about-us/art/lange-nacht" class="tbm-link level-3" data-elastic-exclude=""> &quot;Long Night&quot; </a> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="tbm-column span4"> <div class="tbm-column-inner"> <div class="tbm-block" data-elastic-exclude=""> <div class="block-inner"> <div id="block-block-contente8b98927-05ae-404a-9ecd-82c02111f8ca" class="block block-block-content block-block-contente8b98927-05ae-404a-9ecd-82c02111f8ca"> <div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p><img alt="about us" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1990a3a-16c6-4ba4-857a-1da5de653c1c" data-image-style="ratio_4_3" loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/ratio_4_3/public/inline-images/PI_key-visual_1200x400.jpg?itok=clHR3GDz" width="1200" height="400" class="image-style-ratio-4-3"></p> <p><a href="https://www.epo.org/en/about-us/statistics/patent-index-2023">Track the latest tech trends with our Patent Index</a></p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </nav> <script> if (window.matchMedia("(max-width: 1200px)").matches) { document.getElementById("efb0a583-4ab0-4590-87f4-ecc6ecaabbde").classList.add('tbm--mobile'); } document.getElementById('efb0a583-4ab0-4590-87f4-ecc6ecaabbde').classList.add('tbm--mobile-hide'); </script> </div> <div class="block-topbar-right"> <div class="topbar-right" id="block-searchbutton"> <a class="minimal-button icon-button rounded topbar-search-icon button-large" href=https://www.epo.org/en/search>&nbsp;</a> </div> <div id="block-searchbarblock" class="header-search-form block block-fixed-block-content block-fixed-block-contentsearch-bar-block"> <form class="header-search-form" data-drupal-selector="header-search-form" role="search" action="/results" method="get" id="header-search-form"> <div class="js-form-item form-item js-form-type-select form-type-select js-form-item-search-type form-item-search-type form-no-label"> <select data-drupal-selector="edit-search-type" id="edit-search-type" name="search_type" class="form-select form-control select2-hidden-accessible" data-select2-id="edit-search-type" tabindex="-1" aria-hidden="true"> <option value="website" data-elastic-exclude>Website</option> <option value="patents" data-elastic-exclude>Patents</option> </select> </div> <div class="js-form-item form-item js-form-type-textfield form-type-textfield js-form-item-search-api-fulltext form-item-search-api-fulltext form-no-label"> <label for="header-search-api-fulltext" class="visually-hidden" data-elastic-exclude>Search</label> <input placeholder=Search... data-drupal-selector="header-search-api-fulltext" type="text" id="q" name="q" value="" size="64" maxlength="64" class="form-text form-control"> </div> <input data-drupal-selector="edit-submit" type="submit" id="edit-submit" name="op" value="search" class="button js-form-submit form-submit btn btn-primary" data-elastic-exclude> </form> </div> </div> <div class="language-switcher-language-url block block-language block-language-blocklanguage-interface" id="block-languageswitcher-2" role="navigation"> <div class="lang-dropdown-select"> <a hreflang="en" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447337" data-elastic-exclude="" data-toggle="collapse" href="#collapsiblelang" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="multiCollapseExample1" class="is-active">en</a> <a hreflang="de" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447337" data-elastic-exclude="" data-toggle="collapse" href="#collapsiblelang" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="multiCollapseExample1">de</a> <a hreflang="fr" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447337" data-elastic-exclude="" data-toggle="collapse" href="#collapsiblelang" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="multiCollapseExample1">fr</a> </div> <div class="collapse multi-collapse" id="collapsiblelang" class="links"> <ul> <li class="goBackLang d-xl-none d-lg-none"><a class="no-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude >Language selection</a></li> <li hreflang="en" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447337" data-elastic-exclude="" class="is-active"> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques" class="language-link is-active" data-elastic-exclude="" hreflang="en" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447337">English</a> </li> <li hreflang="de" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447337" data-elastic-exclude=""> <a href="/de/about-us/administrative-council/communiques" class="language-link" data-elastic-exclude="" hreflang="de" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447337">Deutsch</a> </li> <li hreflang="fr" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447337" data-elastic-exclude=""> <a href="/fr/about-us/administrative-council/communiques" class="language-link" data-elastic-exclude="" hreflang="fr" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447337">Français</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> <nav role="navigation" aria-labelledby="block-epo-org-main-navigation-menu" id="block-epo-org-main-navigation" class="block block-menu navigation menu--main d-none"> <h5 class="visually-hidden" id="block-epo-org-main-navigation-menu" data-elastic-exclude="">Main navigation</h5> <ul region="header" class="navbar-nav d-flex" data-elastic-exclude=""> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Homepage" data-url="/en" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="&lt;front&gt;">Homepage</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="New to patents" data-url="" data-elastic-exclude> <span class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" aria-expanded="false" data-toggle="dropdown" title="Expand menu New to patents" data-elastic-exclude="">New to patents</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/new-to-patents" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/new-to-patents" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/476911">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="What&#039;s your big idea?" data-url="/en/new-to-patents/whats-your-big-idea" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/new-to-patents/whats-your-big-idea" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323479">What&#039;s your big idea?</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Are you ready?" data-url="/en/new-to-patents/are-you-ready/1" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/new-to-patents/are-you-ready/1" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323539">Are you ready?</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="What to expect" data-url="/en/new-to-patents/what-to-expect" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/new-to-patents/what-to-expect" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323296">What to expect</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="How to apply for a patent" data-url="/en/new-to-patents/how-to-apply-for-a-patent" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/new-to-patents/how-to-apply-for-a-patent" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/415669">How to apply for a patent</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Your business and patents" data-url="/en/new-to-patents/your-business-and-patents" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/new-to-patents/your-business-and-patents" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323290">Your business and patents</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Is it patentable?" data-url="/en/new-to-patents/is-it-patentable" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/new-to-patents/is-it-patentable" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323395">Is it patentable?</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Are you first?" data-url="/en/new-to-patents/are-you-first" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/new-to-patents/are-you-first" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323293">Are you first?</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Why do we have patents?" data-url="/en/new-to-patents/why-do-we-have-patents" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/new-to-patents/why-do-we-have-patents" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323347">Why do we have patents?</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Patent quiz" data-url="/en/new-to-patents/patent-quiz" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/new-to-patents/patent-quiz" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323536">Patent quiz</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Unitary patent video" data-url="/en/new-to-patents/patent-basics-video" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/new-to-patents/patent-basics-video" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/480913">Unitary patent video</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Searching for patents" data-url="" data-elastic-exclude> <span class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" aria-expanded="false" data-toggle="dropdown" title="Expand menu Searching for patents" data-elastic-exclude="">Searching for patents</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/searching-for-patents" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/285121">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Technical information" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/technical" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Technical information" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Technical 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/searching-for-patents/technical" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technical" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/285124">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Espacenet - patent search" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/technical/espacenet" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Espacenet - patent search" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Espacenet - patent search </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/searching-for-patents/technical/espacenet" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technical/espacenet" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/285184">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="National patent office databases" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/technical/espacenet/national" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technical/espacenet/national" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446626">National patent office databases</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Global Patent Index (GPI)" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/technical/espacenet/gpi" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technical/espacenet/gpi" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323230">Global Patent Index (GPI)</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Release notes" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/technical/espacenet/release-notes" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technical/espacenet/release-notes" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446629">Release notes</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="European Publication Server" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/technical/publication-server" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu European Publication Server" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> European Publication Server </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/searching-for-patents/technical/publication-server" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technical/publication-server" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/285217">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Release notes" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/technical/publication-server/release-notes" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technical/publication-server/release-notes" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1101723">Release notes</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Cross-reference index for Euro-PCT applications" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/technical/publication-server/cross-references" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technical/publication-server/cross-references" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1267832">Cross-reference index for Euro-PCT applications</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="EP authority file" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/technical/publication-server/authority-file" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technical/publication-server/authority-file" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446632">EP authority file</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Help" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/technical/publication-server/help" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technical/publication-server/help" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446635">Help</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="EP full-text search" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/technical/ep-full-text" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technical/ep-full-text" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/285250">EP full-text search</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Bibliographic coverage in Espacenet and OPS" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/technical/patent-additions" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technical/patent-additions" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/55856">Bibliographic coverage in Espacenet and OPS</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Full-text coverage in Espacenet" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/technical/full-text-additions" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technical/full-text-additions" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/54319">Full-text coverage in Espacenet</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Legal information" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/legal" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Legal information" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Legal 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/searching-for-patents/legal" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/legal" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/285127">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="European Patent Register" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/legal/register" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu European Patent Register" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> European Patent Register </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/searching-for-patents/legal/register" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/legal/register" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/285268">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Release notes archive" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/legal/register/archive" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/legal/register/archive" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446638">Release notes archive</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Register documentation" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/legal/register/documentation" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Register documentation" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Register documentation </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/searching-for-patents/legal/register/documentation" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/legal/register/documentation" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446641">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Deep link data coverage" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/legal/register/documentation/data-coverage" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/legal/register/documentation/data-coverage" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446644">Deep link data coverage</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Federated Register" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/legal/register/documentation/federated-register" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/legal/register/documentation/federated-register" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446647">Federated Register</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Register events" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/legal/register/documentation/events" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/legal/register/documentation/events" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446677">Register events</a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="European Patent Bulletin" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/legal/bulletin" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu European Patent Bulletin" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> European Patent Bulletin </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/searching-for-patents/legal/bulletin" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/legal/bulletin" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/285274">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Download Bulletin" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/legal/bulletin/download" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/legal/bulletin/download" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/56369">Download Bulletin</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="EP Bulletin search" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/legal/bulletin/ep-bulletin-search" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/legal/bulletin/ep-bulletin-search" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323257">EP Bulletin search</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Help" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/legal/bulletin/help" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/legal/bulletin/help" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446680">Help</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="European Case Law Identifier sitemap" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/legal/ecli-sitemap" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/legal/ecli-sitemap" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/285277">European Case Law Identifier sitemap</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Third-party observations" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/legal/observations" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/legal/observations" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/285289">Third-party observations</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Business information" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/business" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Business information" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Business 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/searching-for-patents/business" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/business" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/285130">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="PATSTAT" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/business/patstat" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/business/patstat" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/285295">PATSTAT</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="IPscore" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/business/ipscore" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu IPscore" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> IPscore </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Release notes" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/business/ipscore/release-notes" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/business/ipscore/release-notes" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/877501">Release notes</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Patent insight reports" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/business/patent-insight-reports" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/business/patent-insight-reports" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446683">Patent insight reports</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Data" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/data" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Data" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Data </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="https://new.epo.org/en/searching-for-patents/data" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="https://new.epo.org/en/searching-for-patents/data" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Linked open EP data" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/data/linked-open-data" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/data/linked-open-data" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/322996">Linked open EP data</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Bulk data sets" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/data/bulk-data-sets" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Bulk data sets" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Bulk data sets </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/searching-for-patents/data/bulk-data-sets" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/data/bulk-data-sets" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/867850">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Manuals" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/data/bulk-data-sets/manuals" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/data/bulk-data-sets/manuals" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446686">Manuals</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Sequence listings" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/data/bulk-data-sets/sequence-listing" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/data/bulk-data-sets/sequence-listing" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323047">Sequence listings</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="National full-text data" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/data/bulk-data-sets/national-full-text-data" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/data/bulk-data-sets/national-full-text-data" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323101">National full-text data</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="European Patent Register data" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/data/bulk-data-sets/register-data" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/data/bulk-data-sets/register-data" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323137">European Patent Register data</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="EPO worldwide bibliographic data (DOCDB)" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/data/bulk-data-sets/docdb" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/data/bulk-data-sets/docdb" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323140">EPO worldwide bibliographic data (DOCDB)</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="EP full-text data" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/data/bulk-data-sets/data" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/data/bulk-data-sets/data" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323143">EP full-text data</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="EPO worldwide legal event data (INPADOC)" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/data/bulk-data-sets/inpadoc" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/data/bulk-data-sets/inpadoc" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323155">EPO worldwide legal event data (INPADOC)</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="EP bibliographic data (EBD)" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/data/bulk-data-sets/ebd" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu EP bibliographic data (EBD)" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> EP bibliographic data (EBD) </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="EBD files (weekly download) - free of charge" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/data/bulk-data-sets/ebd/ebd" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu EBD files (weekly download) - free of charge" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> EBD files (weekly download) - free of charge </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="Secure EBD ST.36 files (weekly download) - for national patent offices only" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/data/bulk-data-sets/ebd/ebd/st-36" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/data/bulk-data-sets/ebd/ebd/st-36" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/514909">Secure EBD ST.36 files (weekly download) - for national patent offices only</a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Boards of Appeal decisions" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/data/bulk-data-sets/boards-of-appeal-decisions" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/data/bulk-data-sets/boards-of-appeal-decisions" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323173">Boards of Appeal decisions</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="EP full-text data for text analytics" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/data/bulk-data-sets/text-analytics" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/data/bulk-data-sets/text-analytics" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323176">EP full-text data for text analytics</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Web services" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/data/web-services" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Web services" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Web 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/searching-for-patents/data/web-services" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/data/web-services" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323077">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Open Patent Services (OPS)" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/data/web-services/ops" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/data/web-services/ops" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323179">Open Patent Services (OPS)</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="European Publication Server web service" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/data/web-services/publication-server" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/data/web-services/publication-server" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323182">European Publication Server web service</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Coverage, codes and statistics" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/data/coverage" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Coverage, codes and statistics" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Coverage, codes and 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="Weekly updates" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/data/coverage/weekly" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/data/coverage/weekly" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446689">Weekly updates</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Updated regularly" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/data/coverage/regular" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/data/coverage/regular" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446692">Updated regularly</a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Technology platforms" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Technology platforms" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Technology platforms </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/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1128280">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Innovation in water technologies" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/water-technologies" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Innovation in water technologies" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Innovation in water technologies </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/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/water-technologies" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/water-technologies" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1179317">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Clean water" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/water-technologies/clean-water" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/water-technologies/clean-water" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1179319">Clean water</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Protection from water" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/water-technologies/protection-from-water" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/water-technologies/protection-from-water" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1179320">Protection from water</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Space innovation" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/space-innovation" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Space innovation" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Space innovation </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/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/space-innovation" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/space-innovation" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1148028">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Cosmonautics" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/space-innovation/cosmonautics" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/space-innovation/cosmonautics" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1148403">Cosmonautics</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Space observation" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/space-innovation/space-observation" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/space-innovation/space-observation" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1148405">Space observation</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Technologies combatting cancer" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/technologies-combatting-cancer" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Technologies combatting cancer" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Technologies combatting cancer </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/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/technologies-combatting-cancer" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/technologies-combatting-cancer" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/992317">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Prevention and early detection" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/technologies-combatting-cancer/prevention" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/technologies-combatting-cancer/prevention" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1011769">Prevention and early detection</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Diagnostics" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/technologies-combatting-cancer/diagnostics" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/technologies-combatting-cancer/diagnostics" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1011772">Diagnostics</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Therapies" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/technologies-combatting-cancer/therapies" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/technologies-combatting-cancer/therapies" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1011775">Therapies</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Wellbeing and aftercare" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/technologies-combatting-cancer/wellbeing" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/technologies-combatting-cancer/wellbeing" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1011778">Wellbeing and aftercare</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Firefighting technologies" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/firefighting" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Firefighting technologies" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Firefighting technologies </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/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/firefighting" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/firefighting" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/511117">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Detection and prevention of fires" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/firefighting/detection-and-prevention" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/firefighting/detection-and-prevention" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/511120">Detection and prevention of fires</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Fire extinguishing" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/firefighting/fire-extinguishing" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/firefighting/fire-extinguishing" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/511123">Fire extinguishing</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Protective equipment" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/firefighting/protective-equipment" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/firefighting/protective-equipment" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/511126">Protective equipment</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Post-fire restoration" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/firefighting/post-fire-restoration" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/firefighting/post-fire-restoration" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/511129">Post-fire restoration</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Clean energy technologies" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/clean-energy" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Clean energy technologies" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Clean energy technologies </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/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/clean-energy" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/clean-energy" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323113">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Renewable energy" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/clean-energy/renewable-energy" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/clean-energy/renewable-energy" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447211">Renewable energy</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Carbon-intensive industries" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/clean-energy/carbon-intensive-industries" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/clean-energy/carbon-intensive-industries" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447214">Carbon-intensive industries</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Energy storage and other enabling technologies" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/clean-energy/energy-storage" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/clean-energy/energy-storage" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447217">Energy storage and other enabling technologies</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Fighting coronavirus" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/fighting-coronavirus" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Fighting coronavirus" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Fighting coronavirus </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/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/fighting-coronavirus" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/fighting-coronavirus" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323116">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Vaccines and therapeutics" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/fighting-coronavirus/vaccines-and-therapeutics" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Vaccines and therapeutics" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Vaccines and therapeutics </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/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/fighting-coronavirus/vaccines-and-therapeutics" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/fighting-coronavirus/vaccines-and-therapeutics" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447232">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Vaccines" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/fighting-coronavirus/vaccines-and-therapeutics/vaccines" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/fighting-coronavirus/vaccines-and-therapeutics/vaccines" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/511078">Vaccines</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview of candidate therapies for COVID-19" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/fighting-coronavirus/vaccines-and-therapeutics/candidate-therapies" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/fighting-coronavirus/vaccines-and-therapeutics/candidate-therapies" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/511081">Overview of candidate therapies for COVID-19</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Candidate antiviral and symptomatic therapeutics" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/fighting-coronavirus/vaccines-and-therapeutics/antiviral-and-symptomatic-therapeutics" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/fighting-coronavirus/vaccines-and-therapeutics/antiviral-and-symptomatic-therapeutics" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/511084">Candidate antiviral and symptomatic therapeutics</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Nucleic acids and antibodies to fight coronavirus" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/fighting-coronavirus/vaccines-and-therapeutics/nucleic-acids" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/fighting-coronavirus/vaccines-and-therapeutics/nucleic-acids" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/511087">Nucleic acids and antibodies to fight coronavirus</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Diagnostics and analytics" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/fighting-coronavirus/diagnostics-and-analytics" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Diagnostics and analytics" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Diagnostics and analytics </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/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/fighting-coronavirus/diagnostics-and-analytics" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/fighting-coronavirus/diagnostics-and-analytics" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447235">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Protein and nucleic acid assays" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/fighting-coronavirus/diagnostics-and-analytics/protein-and-nucleic-acid-assays" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/fighting-coronavirus/diagnostics-and-analytics/protein-and-nucleic-acid-assays" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/511090">Protein and nucleic acid assays</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Analytical protocols" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/fighting-coronavirus/diagnostics-and-analytics/analytical-protocols" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/fighting-coronavirus/diagnostics-and-analytics/analytical-protocols" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/511093">Analytical protocols</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Informatics" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/fighting-coronavirus/informatics" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Informatics" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Informatics </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/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/fighting-coronavirus/informatics" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/fighting-coronavirus/informatics" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/511096">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Bioinformatics" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/fighting-coronavirus/informatics/bioinformatics" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/fighting-coronavirus/informatics/bioinformatics" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/511099">Bioinformatics</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Healthcare informatics" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/fighting-coronavirus/informatics/healthcare-informatics" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/fighting-coronavirus/informatics/healthcare-informatics" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/511102">Healthcare informatics</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Technologies for the new normal" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/fighting-coronavirus/technologies-for-the-new-normal" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Technologies for the new normal" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Technologies for the new normal </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/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/fighting-coronavirus/technologies-for-the-new-normal" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/fighting-coronavirus/technologies-for-the-new-normal" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/511105">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Devices, materials and equipment" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/fighting-coronavirus/technologies-for-the-new-normal/devices" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/fighting-coronavirus/technologies-for-the-new-normal/devices" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/511108">Devices, materials and equipment</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Procedures, actions and activities" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/fighting-coronavirus/technologies-for-the-new-normal/procedures" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/fighting-coronavirus/technologies-for-the-new-normal/procedures" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/511111">Procedures, actions and activities</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Digital technologies" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/fighting-coronavirus/technologies-for-the-new-normal/digital-technologies" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/fighting-coronavirus/technologies-for-the-new-normal/digital-technologies" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/511114">Digital technologies</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Inventors against coronavirus" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/fighting-coronavirus/inventors-against-coronavirus" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/technology-platforms/fighting-coronavirus/inventors-against-coronavirus" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447244">Inventors against coronavirus</a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Helpful resources" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Helpful resources" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Helpful resources </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/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323203">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="First time here?" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/first-time-here" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu First time here?" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> First time here? </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/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/first-time-here" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/first-time-here" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446695">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Basic definitions" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/first-time-here/definitions" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/first-time-here/definitions" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446698">Basic definitions</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Patent classification" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/first-time-here/classification" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Patent classification" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Patent classification </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="https://new.epo.org/fr/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/first-time-here/classification" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="https://new.epo.org/fr/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/first-time-here/classification" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC)" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/first-time-here/classification/cpc" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/first-time-here/classification/cpc" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446704">Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC)</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Patent families" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/first-time-here/patent-families" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Patent families" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Patent families </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/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/first-time-here/patent-families" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/first-time-here/patent-families" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446707">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="DOCDB simple patent family" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/first-time-here/patent-families/docdb" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/first-time-here/patent-families/docdb" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446710">DOCDB simple patent family</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="INPADOC extended patent family" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/first-time-here/patent-families/inpadoc" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/first-time-here/patent-families/inpadoc" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446713">INPADOC extended patent family</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Legal event data" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/first-time-here/legal-event-data" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Legal event data" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Legal event data </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/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/first-time-here/legal-event-data" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/first-time-here/legal-event-data" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446716">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="INPADOC classification scheme" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/first-time-here/legal-event-data/inpadoc-classification-scheme" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/first-time-here/legal-event-data/inpadoc-classification-scheme" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446719">INPADOC classification scheme</a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Asian patent information" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Asian patent information" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Asian patent 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/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323248">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="China (CN)" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/china" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu China (CN)" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> China (CN) </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/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/china" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/china" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323302">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Facts and figures" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/china/facts-figures" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/china/facts-figures" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446722">Facts and figures</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Grant procedure" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/china/grant" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/china/grant" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446725">Grant procedure</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Numbering system" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/china/numbering" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/china/numbering" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446728">Numbering system</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Useful terms" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/china/terms" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/china/terms" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446731">Useful terms</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Searching in databases" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/china/search" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/china/search" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446734">Searching in databases</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Chinese Taipei (TW)" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/chinese-taipei" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Chinese Taipei (TW)" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Chinese Taipei (TW) </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/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/chinese-taipei" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/chinese-taipei" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323320">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Grant procedure" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/chinese-taipei/grant-procedure" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/chinese-taipei/grant-procedure" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446740">Grant procedure</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Numbering system" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/chinese-taipei/numbering-system" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/chinese-taipei/numbering-system" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446743">Numbering system</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Useful terms" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/chinese-taipei/useful-terms" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/chinese-taipei/useful-terms" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446746">Useful terms</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Searching in databases" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/chinese-taipei/search" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/chinese-taipei/search" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446749">Searching in databases</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="India (IN)" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/india" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu India (IN)" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> India (IN) </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/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/india" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/india" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323326">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Facts and figures" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/india/facts-figures" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/india/facts-figures" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446752">Facts and figures</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Grant procedure" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/india/grant" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/india/grant" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446755">Grant procedure</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Numbering system" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/india/numbering" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/india/numbering" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446758">Numbering system</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Japan (JP)" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/japan" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Japan (JP)" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Japan (JP) </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/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/japan" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/japan" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323329">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Facts and figures" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/japan/facts-figures" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/japan/facts-figures" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446761">Facts and figures</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Grant procedure" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/japan/grant-procedure" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/japan/grant-procedure" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446764">Grant procedure</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Numbering system" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/japan/numbering" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/japan/numbering" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446767">Numbering system</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Useful terms" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/japan/terms" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/japan/terms" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446770">Useful terms</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Searching in databases" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/japan/search" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/japan/search" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446773">Searching in databases</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Korea (KR)" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/korea" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Korea (KR)" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Korea (KR) </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/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/korea" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/korea" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323332">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Facts and figures" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/korea/facts-figures" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/korea/facts-figures" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446776">Facts and figures</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Grant procedure" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/korea/grant" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/korea/grant" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446779">Grant procedure</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Numbering system" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/korea/numbering" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/korea/numbering" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446782">Numbering system</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Useful terms" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/korea/terms" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/korea/terms" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446785">Useful terms</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Searching in databases" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/korea/search" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/korea/search" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446788">Searching in databases</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Russian Federation (RU)" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/russian-federation" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Russian Federation (RU)" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Russian Federation (RU) </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/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/russian-federation" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/russian-federation" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323338">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Facts and figures" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/russian-federation/facts-and-figures" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/russian-federation/facts-and-figures" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446791">Facts and figures</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Numbering system" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/russian-federation/numbering-system" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/russian-federation/numbering-system" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446794">Numbering system</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Searching in databases" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/russian-federation/searching-in-databases" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/russian-federation/searching-in-databases" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446797">Searching in databases</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Useful links" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/links" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/asian/links" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446800">Useful links</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Patent information centres (PATLIB)" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/patlib" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/patlib" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446803">Patent information centres (PATLIB)</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Patent Translate" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/patent-translate" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/patent-translate" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323233">Patent Translate</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Patent Knowledge News" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/patent-knowledge-news" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/patent-knowledge-news" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/105395">Patent Knowledge News</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Business and statistics" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/business-and-statistics" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/business-and-statistics" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446806">Business and statistics</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Unitary Patent information in patent knowledge" data-url="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/unitary-patent-information" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/searching-for-patents/helpful-resources/unitary-patent-information" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446809">Unitary Patent information in patent knowledge</a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Applying for a patent" data-url="" data-elastic-exclude> <span class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" aria-expanded="false" data-toggle="dropdown" title="Expand menu Applying for a patent" data-elastic-exclude="">Applying for a patent</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/applying" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/285190">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="European route" data-url="/en/applying/european" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu European route" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> European route </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/european" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/european" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/285292">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="European Patent Guide" data-url="/en/legal/guide-epc" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/legal/guide-epc" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323254">European Patent Guide</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Oppositions" data-url="/en/applying/european/oppositions" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/european/oppositions" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446815">Oppositions</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Oral proceedings" data-url="/en/applying/european/oral-proceedings" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Oral proceedings" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Oral proceedings </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="Oral proceedings calendar" data-url="/en/applying/european/oral-proceedings/proceedings" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Oral proceedings calendar" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Oral proceedings calendar </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="Calendar" data-url="/en/applying/european/oral-proceedings/proceedings/calendar" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/european/oral-proceedings/proceedings/calendar" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/486571">Calendar</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Public access to appeal proceedings" data-url="/en/applying/european/oral-proceedings/proceedings/public-access-to-appeal-proceedings" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/european/oral-proceedings/proceedings/public-access-to-appeal-proceedings" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447025">Public access to appeal proceedings</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Public access to opposition proceedings" data-url="/en/applying/european/oral-proceedings/proceedings/public-access" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/european/oral-proceedings/proceedings/public-access" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447022">Public access to opposition proceedings</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Technical guidelines" data-url="/en/applying/european/oral-proceedings/proceedings/technical-guidelines" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/european/oral-proceedings/proceedings/technical-guidelines" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447019">Technical guidelines</a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Appeals" data-url="/en/applying/european/appeals" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/european/appeals" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446821">Appeals</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Unitary Patent &amp; Unified Patent Court" data-url="/en/applying/european/unitary" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Unitary Patent &amp; Unified Patent Court" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Unitary Patent &amp; Unified Patent Court </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/european/unitary" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/european/unitary" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323092">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Unitary Patent" data-url="/en/applying/european/unitary/unitary-patent" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Unitary Patent" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Unitary Patent </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/european/unitary/unitary-patent" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/european/unitary/unitary-patent" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446824">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Legal framework" data-url="/en/applying/european/unitary/unitary-patent/legal-framework" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/european/unitary/unitary-patent/legal-framework" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446827">Legal framework</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Unitary Patent Guide" data-url="/en/legal/guide-up" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/legal/guide-up" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/389512">Unitary Patent Guide</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Main features" data-url="/en/applying/european/unitary/unitary-patent/features" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/european/unitary/unitary-patent/features" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446830">Main features</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Applying for a Unitary Patent" data-url="/en/applying/european/unitary/unitary-patent/applying" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/european/unitary/unitary-patent/applying" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446833">Applying for a Unitary Patent</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Cost of a Unitary Patent" data-url="/en/applying/european/unitary/unitary-patent/cost" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/european/unitary/unitary-patent/cost" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446836">Cost of a Unitary Patent</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Translation and compensation" data-url="/en/applying/european/unitary/unitary-patent/compensation" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/european/unitary/unitary-patent/compensation" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446839">Translation and compensation</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Start date" data-url="/en/applying/european/unitary/unitary-patent/start" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/european/unitary/unitary-patent/start" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446842">Start date</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Introductory brochures" data-url="/en/applying/european/unitary/unitary-patent/introductory-brochures" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/european/unitary/unitary-patent/introductory-brochures" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1189931">Introductory brochures</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Unified Patent Court" data-url="/en/applying/european/unitary/upc" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/european/unitary/upc" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446848">Unified Patent Court</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="National validation" data-url="/en/applying/european/validation" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/european/validation" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446851">National validation</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Extension/validation request" data-url="/en/applying/european/request-extension-validation" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/european/request-extension-validation" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446854">Extension/validation request</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="International route" data-url="/en/applying/international" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu International route" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> International route </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/international" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/international" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323380">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Euro-PCT Guide" data-url="/en/legal/guide-europct" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/legal/guide-europct" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323383">Euro-PCT Guide</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Entry into the European phase" data-url="/en/applying/international/entry-european-phase" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/international/entry-european-phase" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/838474">Entry into the European phase</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Decisions and notices" data-url="/en/applying/international/decisions" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/international/decisions" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446857">Decisions and notices</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="PCT provisions and resources" data-url="/en/applying/international/provisions" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/international/provisions" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446860">PCT provisions and resources</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Extension/validation request" data-url="/en/applying/international/request-extension-validation" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/international/request-extension-validation" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446863">Extension/validation request</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Reinforced partnership programme" data-url="/en/applying/international/reinforced-partnership-faq" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/international/reinforced-partnership-faq" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446866">Reinforced partnership programme</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Accelerating your PCT application" data-url="/en/applying/international/accelerating-application" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/international/accelerating-application" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446869">Accelerating your PCT application</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH)" data-url="/en/applying/international/patent-prosecution-highway" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH)" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) </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="Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) programme outline" data-url="/en/applying/international/patent-prosecution-highway/outline" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/international/patent-prosecution-highway/outline" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446875">Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) programme outline</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Training and events" data-url="/en/applying/international/training-events" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/international/training-events" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446878">Training and events</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="National route" data-url="/en/applying/national" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/national" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446881">National route</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="MyEPO services" data-url="/en/applying/myepo-services" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu MyEPO services" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> MyEPO services </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/applying/myepo-services" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/myepo-services" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323131">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Understand our services" data-url="/en/applying/myepo-services/understand" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Understand our services" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Understand our services </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/applying/myepo-services/understand" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/myepo-services/understand" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/715237">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Exchange data with us using an API" data-url="/en/applying/myepo-services/understand/api" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Exchange data with us using an API" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Exchange data with us using an API </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Release notes" data-url="/en/applying/myepo-services/understand/api/release-notes" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/myepo-services/understand/api/release-notes" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1157467">Release notes</a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Get access" data-url="/en/applying/myepo-services/get-access" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Get access" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Get access </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/applying/myepo-services/get-access" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/myepo-services/get-access" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323389">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Release notes" data-url="/en/applying/myepo-services/get-access/release-notes" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/myepo-services/get-access/release-notes" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1128281">Release notes</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="File with us" data-url="/en/applying/myepo-services/file-with-us" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu File with us" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> File with us </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/applying/myepo-services/file-with-us" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/myepo-services/file-with-us" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323215">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="What if our online filing services are down?" data-url="/en/applying/myepo-services/file-with-us/cus" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/myepo-services/file-with-us/cus" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/789682">What if our online filing services are down?</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Release notes" data-url="/en/applying/myepo-services/file-with-us/release-notes" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/myepo-services/file-with-us/release-notes" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447004">Release notes</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Interact with us on your files" data-url="/en/applying/myepo-services/interact" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Interact with us on your files" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Interact with us on your files </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Release notes" data-url="/en/applying/myepo-services/interact/release-notes" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/myepo-services/interact/release-notes" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447007">Release notes</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Online Filing &amp; fee payment outages" data-url="/en/applying/myepo-services/online-filing-outages" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/myepo-services/online-filing-outages" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/534040">Online Filing &amp; fee payment outages</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Fees" data-url="/en/applying/fees" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Fees" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Fees </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/applying/fees" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/fees" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323470">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="European fees (EPC)" data-url="/en/applying/fees/fees" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu European fees (EPC)" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> European fees (EPC) </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/applying/fees/fees" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/fees/fees" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323797">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Decisions and notices" data-url="/en/applying/fees/fees/decisions-and-notices" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/fees/fees/decisions-and-notices" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447040">Decisions and notices</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="International fees (PCT)" data-url="/en/applying/fees/international-fees" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu International fees (PCT)" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> International fees (PCT) </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Reduction in fees" data-url="/en/applying/fees/international-fees/reduction-in-fees" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/fees/international-fees/reduction-in-fees" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447046">Reduction in fees</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Fees for international applications" data-url="/en/applying/fees/international-fees/important-fees" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/fees/international-fees/important-fees" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447049">Fees for international applications</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Decisions and notices" data-url="/en/applying/fees/international-fees/decisions-and-notices" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/fees/international-fees/decisions-and-notices" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447043">Decisions and notices</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/applying/fees/international-fees" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/fees/international-fees" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/407326">Overview</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Unitary Patent fees (UP)" data-url="/en/applying/fees/unitary-patent-fees" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Unitary Patent fees (UP)" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Unitary Patent fees (UP) </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/applying/fees/unitary-patent-fees" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/fees/unitary-patent-fees" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/571075">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Decisions and notices" data-url="/en/applying/fees/unitary-patent-fees/decisions" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/fees/unitary-patent-fees/decisions" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/571078">Decisions and notices</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Fee payment and refunds" data-url="/en/applying/fees/payment" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Fee payment and refunds" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Fee payment and refunds </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/applying/fees/payment" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/fees/payment" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/407329">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Payment methods" data-url="/en/applying/fees/payment/methods" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/fees/payment/methods" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/413782">Payment methods</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Getting started" data-url="/en/applying/fees/payment/getting-started" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/fees/payment/getting-started" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/413785">Getting started</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="FAQs and other documentation" data-url="/en/applying/fees/payment/FAQs-and-other-documentation" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/fees/payment/FAQs-and-other-documentation" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/415672">FAQs and other documentation</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Technical information for batch payments" data-url="/en/applying/fees/payment/technical-information-xml-and-csv-file-formats-batch-payments" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/fees/payment/technical-information-xml-and-csv-file-formats-batch-payments" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447013">Technical information for batch payments</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Decisions and notices" data-url="/en/applying/fees/payment/decisions-and-notices" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/fees/payment/decisions-and-notices" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/516805">Decisions and notices</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Release notes" data-url="/en/applying/fees/payment/release-notes" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/fees/payment/release-notes" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447010">Release notes</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Warning" data-url="/en/applying/fees/warning" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/fees/warning" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447055">Warning</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Forms" data-url="/en/applying/forms" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Forms" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Forms </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Request for examination" data-url="/en/applying/forms/examination" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/forms/examination" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/541570">Request for examination</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Find a professional representative" data-url="/en/applying/representatives" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/applying/representatives" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/54318">Find a professional representative</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Law &amp; practice" data-url="" data-elastic-exclude> <span class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" aria-expanded="false" data-toggle="dropdown" title="Expand menu Law &amp; practice" data-elastic-exclude="">Law &amp; practice</span> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> <a class="navigation-bar-close-menu"> </a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/law-practice" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/law-practice" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/465547">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Legal texts" data-url="/en/legal" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Legal texts" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Legal texts </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/legal" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/legal" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/285094">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="European Patent Convention" data-url="/en/legal/epc" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu European Patent Convention" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> European Patent Convention </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/legal/epc" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/legal/epc" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/285103">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Archive" data-url="/en/legal/epc/archive" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Archive" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Archive </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/legal/epc/archive" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/legal/epc/archive" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447058">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Documentation on the EPC revision 2000" data-url="/en/legal/epc/archive/documentation-epc-revision-2000" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Documentation on the EPC revision 2000" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Documentation on the EPC revision 2000 </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/legal/epc/archive/documentation-epc-revision-2000" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/legal/epc/archive/documentation-epc-revision-2000" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" title="Overview" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447061">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Diplomatic Conference for the revision of the EPC" data-url="/en/legal/epc/archive/documentation-epc-revision-2000/diplomatic-conference-revision-epc" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/legal/epc/archive/documentation-epc-revision-2000/diplomatic-conference-revision-epc" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447064">Diplomatic Conference for the revision of the EPC</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Travaux préparatoires" data-url="/en/legal/epc/archive/documentation-epc-revision-2000/travaux-preparatoires" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/legal/epc/archive/documentation-epc-revision-2000/travaux-preparatoires" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447067">Travaux préparatoires</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="New text" data-url="/en/legal/epc/archive/documentation-epc-revision-2000/new-text" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/legal/epc/archive/documentation-epc-revision-2000/new-text" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447070">New text</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Transitional provisions" data-url="/en/legal/epc/archive/documentation-epc-revision-2000/transitional-provisions" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/legal/epc/archive/documentation-epc-revision-2000/transitional-provisions" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447073">Transitional provisions</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Implementing regulations to the EPC 2000" data-url="/en/legal/epc/archive/documentation-epc-revision-2000/implementing-regulations" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/legal/epc/archive/documentation-epc-revision-2000/implementing-regulations" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447076">Implementing regulations to the EPC 2000</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Rules relating to Fees" data-url="/en/legal/epc/archive/documentation-epc-revision-2000/rules-relating-fees" data-elastic-exclude> <a 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 href="/en/law-practice/court-practices" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447103">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="European Patent Judges&#039; Symposium" data-url="/en/law-practice/court-practices/european-patent-judges-symposium" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/law-practice/court-practices/european-patent-judges-symposium" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447106">European Patent Judges&#039; Symposium</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="User consultations" data-url="/en/law-practice/consultation" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu User consultations" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> User consultations </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/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 &amp; events" data-url="" data-elastic-exclude> <span class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" aria-expanded="false" data-toggle="dropdown" title="Expand menu News &amp; events" data-elastic-exclude="">News &amp; 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&amp;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&amp;A on patents related to coronavirus</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Q&amp;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&amp;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" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Materials science" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Materials science </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/materials" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/in-focus/materials" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447262">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Nanotechnology" data-url="/en/news-events/in-focus/materials/nanotechnology" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/in-focus/materials/nanotechnology" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447265">Nanotechnology</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Mobile communications" data-url="/en/news-events/in-focus/mobile-economy" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/in-focus/mobile-economy" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447268">Mobile communications</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Biotechnology" data-url="/en/news-events/in-focus/biotechnology-patents" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Biotechnology" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Biotechnology </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/biotechnology-patents" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/in-focus/biotechnology-patents" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447271">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Red, white or green" data-url="/en/news-events/in-focus/biotechnology-patents/red-white-green" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/in-focus/biotechnology-patents/red-white-green" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/530260">Red, white or green</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="The role of the EPO" data-url="/en/news-events/in-focus/biotechnology-patents/the-role-of-the-epo" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/in-focus/biotechnology-patents/the-role-of-the-epo" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/530263">The role of the EPO</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="What is patentable?" data-url="/en/news-events/in-focus/biotechnology-patents/what-is-patentable" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/in-focus/biotechnology-patents/what-is-patentable" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/530266">What is patentable?</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Biotech inventors" data-url="/en/news-events/in-focus/biotechnology-patents/biotech-inventors" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/in-focus/biotechnology-patents/biotech-inventors" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/530269">Biotech inventors</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Classification" data-url="/en/news-events/in-focus/classification" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Classification" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Classification </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/classification" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/in-focus/classification" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447274">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Nanotechnology" data-url="/en/news-events/in-focus/classification/nanotechnology" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/in-focus/classification/nanotechnology" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447277">Nanotechnology</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Climate change mitigation technologies" data-url="/en/news-events/in-focus/classification/climate-change" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Climate change mitigation technologies" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Climate change mitigation technologies </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/classification/climate-change" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/in-focus/classification/climate-change" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447280">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="External partners" data-url="/en/news-events/in-focus/classification/classification/partners" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/in-focus/classification/classification/partners" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447283">External partners</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Updates on Y02 and Y04S" data-url="/en/news-events/in-focus/classification/classification/updatesYO2andY04S" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/in-focus/classification/classification/updatesYO2andY04S" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447286">Updates on Y02 and Y04S</a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Digital technologies" data-url="/en/news-events/in-focus/ict" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Digital technologies" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Digital technologies </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/ict" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/in-focus/ict" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447289">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="About ICT" data-url="/en/news-events/in-focus/ict/about-ict" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/in-focus/ict/about-ict" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447292">About ICT</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Hardware and software" data-url="/en/news-events/in-focus/ict/hardware-and-software" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/in-focus/ict/hardware-and-software" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447295">Hardware and software</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Patents and standards" data-url="/en/news-events/in-focus/ict/patents-standards" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/in-focus/ict/patents-standards" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447298">Patents and standards</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Artificial intelligence" data-url="/en/news-events/in-focus/ict/artificial-intelligence" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/in-focus/ict/artificial-intelligence" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447301">Artificial intelligence</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Fourth Industrial Revolution" data-url="/en/news-events/in-focus/ict/fourth-industrial-revolution" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/in-focus/ict/fourth-industrial-revolution" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447304">Fourth Industrial Revolution</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Additive manufacturing" data-url="/en/news-events/in-focus/future-of-manufacturing" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Additive manufacturing" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Additive manufacturing </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/future-of-manufacturing" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/in-focus/future-of-manufacturing" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447307">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="About AM" data-url="/en/news-events/in-focus/future-of-manufacturing/about-AM" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/in-focus/future-of-manufacturing/about-AM" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447310">About AM</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="AM innovation" data-url="/en/news-events/in-focus/future-of-manufacturing/am-innovation" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/in-focus/future-of-manufacturing/am-innovation" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447313">AM innovation</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Books by EPO experts" data-url="/en/news-events/in-focus/books" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/in-focus/books" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447193">Books by EPO experts</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Podcast" data-url="/en/news-events/podcast" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/news-events/podcast" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323119">Podcast</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Learning" data-url="" data-elastic-exclude> <span class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" aria-expanded="false" data-toggle="dropdown" title="Expand menu Learning" data-elastic-exclude="">Learning</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/learning" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/558655">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Learning activities and paths" data-url="/en/learning/learning-activities-paths" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Learning activities and paths" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Learning activities and paths </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-activities-paths" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-activities-paths" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1194380">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Learning activities: types and formats" data-url="/en/learning/learning-activities-paths/learning-activities-types-formats" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-activities-paths/learning-activities-types-formats" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1194381">Learning activities: types and formats</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Learning paths" data-url="/en/learning/learning-activities-paths/learning-paths" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-activities-paths/learning-paths" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1194382">Learning paths</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="EQE and EPAC" data-url="/en/learning/eqe-epac" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu EQE and EPAC" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> EQE and EPAC </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/eqe-epac" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/eqe-epac" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1195028">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="EQE - European Qualifying Examination" data-url="/en/learning/eqe-epac/european-qualifying-examination-eqe" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu EQE - European Qualifying Examination" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> EQE - European Qualifying Examination </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/eqe-epac/european-qualifying-examination-eqe" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/eqe-epac/european-qualifying-examination-eqe" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/556726">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Compendium" data-url="/en/learning/eqe-epac/european-qualifying-examination-eqe/compendium" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Compendium" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Compendium </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/eqe-epac/european-qualifying-examination-eqe/compendium" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/eqe-epac/european-qualifying-examination-eqe/compendium" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1197633">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Pre-examination" data-url="/en/learning/eqe-epac/european-qualifying-examination-eqe/compendium/pre-examination" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/eqe-epac/european-qualifying-examination-eqe/compendium/pre-examination" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1197634">Pre-examination</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Paper A" data-url="/en/learning/eqe-epac/european-qualifying-examination-eqe/compendium/paper-a" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/eqe-epac/european-qualifying-examination-eqe/compendium/paper-a" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1198281">Paper A</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Paper B" data-url="/en/learning/eqe-epac/european-qualifying-examination-eqe/compendium/paper-b" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/eqe-epac/european-qualifying-examination-eqe/compendium/paper-b" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1198282">Paper B</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Paper C" data-url="/en/learning/eqe-epac/european-qualifying-examination-eqe/compendium/paper-c" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/eqe-epac/european-qualifying-examination-eqe/compendium/paper-c" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1198294">Paper C</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Paper D" data-url="/en/learning/eqe-epac/european-qualifying-examination-eqe/compendium/paper-d" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/eqe-epac/european-qualifying-examination-eqe/compendium/paper-d" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1199593">Paper D</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Candidates successful in the European qualifying examination" data-url="/en/learning/eqe-epac/european-qualifying-examination-eqe/successful-candidates" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/eqe-epac/european-qualifying-examination-eqe/successful-candidates" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/54317">Candidates successful in the European qualifying examination</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Archive" data-url="/en/learning/eqe-epac/european-qualifying-examination-eqe/archive" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/eqe-epac/european-qualifying-examination-eqe/archive" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1199594">Archive</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="EPAC - European patent administration certification" data-url="/en/learning/eqe-epac/epac-european-patent-administration-certification" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/eqe-epac/epac-european-patent-administration-certification" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/556723">EPAC - European patent administration certification</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Learning resources by area of interest" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-area-interest" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Learning resources by area of interest" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Learning resources by area of interest </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-area-interest" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-area-interest" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1207419">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Patent granting" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-area-interest/patent-granting" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-area-interest/patent-granting" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/564964">Patent granting</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Technology transfer and dissemination" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-area-interest/technology-transfer-and-dissemination" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-area-interest/technology-transfer-and-dissemination" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/565018">Technology transfer and dissemination</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Patent enforcement and litigation" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-area-interest/patent-enforcement-and-litigation" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-area-interest/patent-enforcement-and-litigation" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/565252">Patent enforcement and litigation</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Learning resources by profile" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Learning resources by profile" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Learning resources by profile </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" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1204816">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Business and IP managers" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Business and IP managers" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Business and IP managers </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" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/564661">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Innovation case studies" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/innovation-case-studies" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Innovation case studies" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Innovation case studies </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/innovation-case-studies" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/innovation-case-studies" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1208718">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="SME case studies" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/innovation-case-studies/sme-case-studies" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/innovation-case-studies/sme-case-studies" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1208719">SME case studies</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Technology transfer case studies" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/innovation-case-studies/technology-transfer-case-studies" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/innovation-case-studies/technology-transfer-case-studies" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1209368">Technology transfer case studies</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="High-growth technology case studies" 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&#039;s handbook" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/inventors-handbook" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Inventor&#039;s handbook" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Inventor&#039;s handbook </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/inventors-handbook" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/inventors-handbook" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1202855">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Introduction" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/inventors-handbook/introduction" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/inventors-handbook/introduction" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1203502">Introduction</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Disclosure and confidentiality" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/inventors-handbook/disclosure-and-confidentiality" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/inventors-handbook/disclosure-and-confidentiality" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1203503">Disclosure and confidentiality</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Novelty and prior art" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/inventors-handbook/novelty-and-prior-art" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/inventors-handbook/novelty-and-prior-art" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1203505">Novelty and prior art</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Competition and market potential" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/inventors-handbook/competition-and-market-potential" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/inventors-handbook/competition-and-market-potential" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1203506">Competition and market potential</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Assessing the risk ahead" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/inventors-handbook/assessing-risk-ahead" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/inventors-handbook/assessing-risk-ahead" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1203518">Assessing the risk ahead</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Proving the invention" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/inventors-handbook/proving-invention" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/inventors-handbook/proving-invention" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1203519">Proving the invention</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Protecting your idea" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/inventors-handbook/protecting-your-idea" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/inventors-handbook/protecting-your-idea" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1204165">Protecting your idea</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Building a team and seeking funding" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/inventors-handbook/building-team-and-seeking-funding" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/inventors-handbook/building-team-and-seeking-funding" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1204166">Building a team and seeking funding</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Business planning" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/inventors-handbook/business-planning" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/inventors-handbook/business-planning" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1204167">Business planning</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Finding and approaching companies" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/inventors-handbook/finding-and-approaching-companies" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/inventors-handbook/finding-and-approaching-companies" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1204169">Finding and approaching companies</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Dealing with companies" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/inventors-handbook/dealing-companies" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/inventors-handbook/dealing-companies" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1204815">Dealing with companies</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Best of search matters" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/best-search-matters" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Best of search matters" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Best of search matters </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/best-search-matters" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/best-search-matters" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1208067">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Tools and databases" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/best-search-matters/tools-and-databases" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/best-search-matters/tools-and-databases" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1208990">Tools and databases</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="EPO procedures and initiatives" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/best-search-matters/epo-procedures-and-initiatives" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/best-search-matters/epo-procedures-and-initiatives" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1209367">EPO procedures and initiatives</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Search strategies" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/best-search-matters/search-strategies" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/best-search-matters/search-strategies" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1209369">Search strategies</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Challenges and specific topics" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/best-search-matters/challenges-and-specific-topics" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/best-search-matters/challenges-and-specific-topics" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1209370">Challenges and specific topics</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Support for high-growth technology businesses" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/support-high-growth-technology-businesses" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Support for high-growth technology businesses" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Support for high-growth technology 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 href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/support-high-growth-technology-businesses/business-decision-makers" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1210940">Business decision-makers</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="IP professionals" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/support-high-growth-technology-businesses/ip-professionals" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/support-high-growth-technology-businesses/ip-professionals" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1211589">IP professionals</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Stakeholders of the Innovation Ecosystem" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/business-and-ip-managers/support-high-growth-technology-businesses/stakeholders-innovation-ecosystem" 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" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/eqe-epac-candidates" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/564673">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Paper F brain-teasers" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/eqe-epac-candidates/paper-f-brain-teasers" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/eqe-epac-candidates/paper-f-brain-teasers" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1212238">Paper F brain-teasers</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Daily D questions" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/eqe-epac-candidates/daily-d-questions" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/eqe-epac-candidates/daily-d-questions" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1212239">Daily D 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 IP authorities" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/national-offices-and-ip-authorities" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu National offices and IP authorities" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> National offices and IP authorities </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/national-offices-and-ip-authorities" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/national-offices-and-ip-authorities" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/564676">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Learning material for examiners of national officers" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/national-offices-and-ip-authorities/learning-path-patent-examiners-national-offices" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/national-offices-and-ip-authorities/learning-path-patent-examiners-national-offices" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/797479">Learning material for examiners of national officers</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Learning material for formalities officers and paralegals" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/national-offices-and-ip-authorities/learning-path-formalities-officers-and-paralegals" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/national-offices-and-ip-authorities/learning-path-formalities-officers-and-paralegals" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/799393">Learning material for formalities officers and paralegals</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Patent attorneys and paralegals" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/patent-attorneys-and-paralegals" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/patent-attorneys-and-paralegals" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/564679">Patent attorneys and paralegals</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Universities, research centres and TTOs" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/universities-research-centres-and-technology-transfer-centres" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Universities, research centres and TTOs" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Universities, research centres and TTOs </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" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/universities-research-centres-and-technology-transfer-centres" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/564682">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Modular IP Education Framework (MIPEF)" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/universities-research-centres-and-technology-transfer-centres/modular-ip-education-framework" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/universities-research-centres-and-technology-transfer-centres/modular-ip-education-framework" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1212900">Modular IP Education 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 href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/universities-research-centres-and-technology-transfer-centres/pan-european-seal-professional-programme" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/801343">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="For students" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/universities-research-centres-and-technology-transfer-centres/pan-european-seal-professional-programme/for-students" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/universities-research-centres-and-technology-transfer-centres/pan-european-seal-professional-programme/for-students" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1210939">For students</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="For universities" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/universities-research-centres-and-technology-transfer-centres/pan-european-seal-professional-programme/for-universities" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu For universities" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> For universities </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/for-universities" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/universities-research-centres-and-technology-transfer-centres/pan-european-seal-professional-programme/for-universities" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1210937">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="IP education resources" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/universities-research-centres-and-technology-transfer-centres/pan-european-seal-professional-programme/for-universities/e-learning" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/universities-research-centres-and-technology-transfer-centres/pan-european-seal-professional-programme/for-universities/e-learning" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/799399">IP education resources</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="University memberships" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/universities-research-centres-and-technology-transfer-centres/pan-european-seal-professional-programme/for-universities/university-memberships" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/universities-research-centres-and-technology-transfer-centres/pan-european-seal-professional-programme/for-universities/university-memberships" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/799396">University memberships</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Our young professionals" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/universities-research-centres-and-technology-transfer-centres/pan-european-seal-professional-programme/our-young-professionals" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/universities-research-centres-and-technology-transfer-centres/pan-european-seal-professional-programme/our-young-professionals" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/801337">Our young professionals</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Professional development plan" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/universities-research-centres-and-technology-transfer-centres/pan-european-seal-professional-programme/professional-development-plan" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/universities-research-centres-and-technology-transfer-centres/pan-european-seal-professional-programme/professional-development-plan" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/799402">Professional development plan</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Academic Research Programme" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/universities-research-centres-and-technology-transfer-centres/academic-research-programme" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Academic Research Programme" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Academic Research 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/academic-research-programme" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/universities-research-centres-and-technology-transfer-centres/academic-research-programme" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1212248">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Completed research projects" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/universities-research-centres-and-technology-transfer-centres/academic-research-programme/completed-research-projects" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/universities-research-centres-and-technology-transfer-centres/academic-research-programme/completed-research-projects" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1212895">Completed research projects</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Current research projects" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/universities-research-centres-and-technology-transfer-centres/academic-research-programme/current-research-projects" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/universities-research-centres-and-technology-transfer-centres/academic-research-programme/current-research-projects" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1212903">Current research projects</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="IP Teaching Kit" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/universities-research-centres-and-technology-transfer-centres/ip-teaching-kit" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu IP Teaching Kit" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> IP Teaching Kit </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/ip-teaching-kit" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/universities-research-centres-and-technology-transfer-centres/ip-teaching-kit" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1212246">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Download modules" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/universities-research-centres-and-technology-transfer-centres/ip-teaching-kit/download-modules" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/universities-research-centres-and-technology-transfer-centres/ip-teaching-kit/download-modules" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1212894">Download modules</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Intellectual property course design manual" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/universities-research-centres-and-technology-transfer-centres/intellectual-property-course-design-manual" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/universities-research-centres-and-technology-transfer-centres/intellectual-property-course-design-manual" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1212902">Intellectual property course design manual</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="PATLIB Knowledge Transfer to Africa" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/universities-research-centres-and-technology-transfer-centres/patlib-knowledge-transfer-to-africa" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu PATLIB Knowledge Transfer to Africa" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> PATLIB Knowledge Transfer to Africa </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="The PATLIB Knowledge Transfer to Africa initiative (KT2A)" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/universities-research-centres-and-technology-transfer-centres/patlib-knowledge-transfer-to-africa/initiative" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/universities-research-centres-and-technology-transfer-centres/patlib-knowledge-transfer-to-africa/initiative" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1203125">The PATLIB Knowledge Transfer to Africa initiative (KT2A)</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="KT2A core activities" data-url="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/universities-research-centres-and-technology-transfer-centres/patlib-knowledge-transfer-to-africa/activities" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/learning/learning-resources-profile/universities-research-centres-and-technology-transfer-centres/patlib-knowledge-transfer-to-africa/activities" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1203504">KT2A core activities</a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="About us" data-url="" data-elastic-exclude> <span class="nav-item nav-link active" tabindex="0" aria-expanded="false" data-toggle="dropdown" title="Expand menu About us" data-elastic-exclude="">About us</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/about-us" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323161">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="The EPO at a glance" data-url="/en/about-us/at-a-glance" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/at-a-glance" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/516811">The EPO at a glance</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="50 years of the EPC" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu 50 years of the EPC" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> 50 years of 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="Official celebrations" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/official-celebrations" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/official-celebrations" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/951121">Official celebrations</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323299">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Member states’ video statements" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Member states’ video statements" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Member states’ video statements </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="Albania" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/albania" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/albania" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/891019">Albania</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Austria" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/austria" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/austria" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/892930">Austria</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Belgium" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/belgium" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/belgium" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/892933">Belgium</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Bulgaria" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/bulgaria" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/bulgaria" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/892936">Bulgaria</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Croatia" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/croatia" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/croatia" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/894931">Croatia</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Cyprus" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/cyprus" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/cyprus" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/892942">Cyprus</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Czech Republic" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/czech-republic" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/czech-republic" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/892945">Czech Republic</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Denmark" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/denmark" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/denmark" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/892951">Denmark</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Estonia" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/Estonia" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/Estonia" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/892954">Estonia</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Finland" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/finland" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/finland" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/892960">Finland</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="France" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/france" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/france" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/892963">France</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Germany" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/germany" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/germany" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/892948">Germany</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Greece" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/greece" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/greece" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/892969">Greece</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Hungary" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/hungary" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/hungary" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/894934">Hungary</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Iceland" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/iceland" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/iceland" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/894940">Iceland</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Ireland" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/ireland" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/ireland" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/894937">Ireland</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Italy" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/italy" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/italy" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/894943">Italy</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Latvia" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/latvia" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/latvia" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/894955">Latvia</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Liechtenstein" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/liechtenstein" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/liechtenstein" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/894946">Liechtenstein</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Lithuania" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/lithuania" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/lithuania" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/894949">Lithuania</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Luxembourg" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/luxembourg" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/luxembourg" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/894952">Luxembourg</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Malta" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/malta" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/malta" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/894967">Malta</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Monaco" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/monaco" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/monaco" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/894958">Monaco</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Montenegro" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/montenegro" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/montenegro" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/894961">Montenegro</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Netherlands" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/netherlands" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/netherlands" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/894970">Netherlands</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="North Macedonia" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/north-macedonia" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/north-macedonia" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/894964">North Macedonia</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Norway" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/norway" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/norway" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/898867">Norway</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Poland" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/poland" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/poland" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/898870">Poland</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Portugal" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/portugal" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/portugal" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/767260">Portugal</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Romania" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/romania" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/romania" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/898873">Romania</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="San Marino" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/san-marino" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/san-marino" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/904675">San Marino</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Serbia" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/serbia" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/serbia" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/902755">Serbia</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Slovakia" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/slovakia" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/slovakia" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/902764">Slovakia</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Slovenia" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/slovenia" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/slovenia" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/902761">Slovenia</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Spain" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/spain" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/spain" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/892957">Spain</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Sweden" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/sweden" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/sweden" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/902758">Sweden</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Switzerland" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/switzerland" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/switzerland" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/892939">Switzerland</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Türkiye" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/turkiye" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/turkiye" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/904678">Türkiye</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="United Kingdom" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/united-kingdom" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/member-states-video-statements/united-kingdom" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/892966">United Kingdom</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="50 Leading Tech Voices" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/50-leading-tech-voices" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/50-leading-tech-voices" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/753721">50 Leading Tech Voices</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Athens Marathon" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/athens-marathon" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/athens-marathon" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/945247">Athens Marathon</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Kids’ collaborative art competition" data-url="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/kids-collaborative-art-competition" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/50-epc-anniversary/kids-collaborative-art-competition" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447319">Kids’ collaborative art competition</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Legal foundations and member states" data-url="/en/about-us/foundation" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Legal foundations and member states" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Legal foundations and member states </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/about-us/foundation" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/foundation" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323260">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Legal foundations" data-url="/en/about-us/foundation/legal-foundations" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/foundation/legal-foundations" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447322">Legal foundations</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Member states" data-url="/en/about-us/foundation/member-states" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Member states" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Member states </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/about-us/foundation/member-states" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/foundation/member-states" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447325">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Member states by date of accession" data-url="/en/about-us/foundation/member-states/date" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/foundation/member-states/date" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447328">Member states by date of accession</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Extension states" data-url="/en/about-us/foundation/extension-states" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/foundation/extension-states" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447331">Extension states</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Validation states" data-url="/en/about-us/foundation/validation-states" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/foundation/validation-states" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447334">Validation states</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Administrative Council and subsidiary bodies" data-url="/en/about-us/administrative-council" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link active" title="Expand menu Administrative Council and subsidiary bodies" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Administrative Council and subsidiary bodies </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/about-us/administrative-council" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323263">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Communiqués" data-url="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link active" title="Expand menu Communiqués" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Communiqués </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link is-active" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447337">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="2023" data-url="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques/2023" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques/2023" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1166619">2023</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="2022" data-url="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques/2022" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques/2022" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/518689">2022</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="2021" data-url="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques/2021" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques/2021" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447340">2021</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="2020" data-url="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques/2020" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques/2020" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447343">2020</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="2019" data-url="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques/2019" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques/2019" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447346">2019</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="2018" data-url="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques/2018" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques/2018" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447349">2018</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="2017" data-url="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques/2017" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques/2017" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447352">2017</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="2016" data-url="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques/2016" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques/2016" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447355">2016</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="2015" data-url="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques/2015" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques/2015" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447358">2015</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="2014" data-url="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques/2014" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques/2014" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447361">2014</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="2013" data-url="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques/2013" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques/2013" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447364">2013</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Calendar" data-url="/en/about-us/administrative-council/calendar" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council/calendar" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447367">Calendar</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Documents and publications" data-url="/en/about-us/administrative-council/documentation" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Documents and publications" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Documents and publications </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/about-us/administrative-council/documentation/documentation" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council/documentation/documentation" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447373">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Select Committee documents" data-url="/en/about-us/administrative-council/documentation/documentation" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council/documentation/documentation" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447373">Select Committee documents</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Administrative Council" data-url="/en/about-us/administrative-council/administrative-council" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Administrative Council" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Administrative Council </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/about-us/administrative-council/administrative-council" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council/administrative-council" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323266">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Composition" data-url="/en/about-us/administrative-council/administrative-council/composition" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council/administrative-council/composition" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447379">Composition</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Representatives" data-url="/en/about-us/administrative-council/administrative-council/representatives" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council/administrative-council/representatives" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447382">Representatives</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Rules of Procedure" data-url="/en/about-us/administrative-council/administrative-council/rules" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council/administrative-council/rules" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447385">Rules of Procedure</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Board of Auditors" data-url="/en/about-us/administrative-council/administrative-council/auditors" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council/administrative-council/auditors" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447388">Board of Auditors</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Secretariat" data-url="/en/about-us/administrative-council/administrative-council/secretariat" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council/administrative-council/secretariat" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447391">Secretariat</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Council bodies" data-url="/en/about-us/administrative-council/administrative-council/bodies" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council/administrative-council/bodies" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447394">Council bodies</a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Principles &amp; strategy" data-url="/en/about-us/office" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Principles &amp; strategy" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Principles &amp; strategy </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/about-us/office" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/office" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323272">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Mission, vision, values &amp; corporate policy" data-url="/en/about-us/office/mission" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/office/mission" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447397">Mission, vision, values &amp; corporate policy</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Strategic Plan 2028" data-url="/en/about-us/office/strategic-plan-2028" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Strategic Plan 2028" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Strategic Plan 2028 </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Driver 1: People" data-url="/en/about-us/office/strategic-plan-2028/driver-1" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/office/strategic-plan-2028/driver-1" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1103019">Driver 1: People</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Driver 2: Technologies" data-url="/en/about-us/office/strategic-plan-2028/driver-2" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/office/strategic-plan-2028/driver-2" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1103678">Driver 2: Technologies</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Driver 3: High-quality, timely products and services" data-url="/en/about-us/office/strategic-plan-2028/driver-3" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/office/strategic-plan-2028/driver-3" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1105634">Driver 3: High-quality, timely products and services</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Driver 4: Partnerships" data-url="/en/about-us/office/strategic-plan-2028/driver-4" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/office/strategic-plan-2028/driver-4" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1105635">Driver 4: Partnerships</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Driver 5: Financial sustainability" data-url="/en/about-us/office/strategic-plan-2028/driver-5" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/office/strategic-plan-2028/driver-5" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1105636">Driver 5: Financial sustainability</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Towards a New Normal" data-url="/en/about-us/office/new-normal" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/office/new-normal" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447400">Towards a New Normal</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Data protection &amp; privacy notice" data-url="/en/about-us/office/data-protection-and-privacy" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/office/data-protection-and-privacy" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447409">Data protection &amp; privacy notice</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Leadership &amp; management" data-url="/en/about-us/leadership-and-management" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Leadership &amp; management" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Leadership &amp; management </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/about-us/leadership-and-management" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/leadership-and-management" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323275">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="About the President" data-url="/en/about-us/leadership-and-management/president" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/leadership-and-management/president" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447412">About the President</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Management Advisory Committee" data-url="/en/about-us/leadership-and-management/management-committee" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/leadership-and-management/management-committee" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323473">Management Advisory Committee</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Sustainability at the EPO" data-url="/en/about-us/sustainability-at-the-epo" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Sustainability at the EPO" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Sustainability at the EPO </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/about-us/sustainability-at-the-epo" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/sustainability-at-the-epo" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1160717">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Environmental" data-url="/en/about-us/sustainability-at-the-epo/environmental" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Environmental" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Environmental </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/about-us/sustainability-at-the-epo/environmental" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/sustainability-at-the-epo/environmental" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1254051">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Inspiring environmental inventions" data-url="/en/about-us/sustainability-at-the-epo/environmental/inspiring-environmental-inventions" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/sustainability-at-the-epo/environmental/inspiring-environmental-inventions" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1162725">Inspiring environmental inventions</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Social" data-url="/en/about-us/sustainability-at-the-epo/social" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Social" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Social </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/about-us/sustainability-at-the-epo/social" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/sustainability-at-the-epo/social" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1162724">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Inspiring social inventions" data-url="/en/about-us/sustainability-at-the-epo/social/inspiring-social-inventions" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/sustainability-at-the-epo/social/inspiring-social-inventions" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1162726">Inspiring social inventions</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Governance and Financial sustainability" data-url="/en/about-us/sustainability-at-the-epo/governance" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/sustainability-at-the-epo/governance" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1162727">Governance and Financial sustainability</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Procurement" data-url="/en/about-us/tenders" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Procurement" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Procurement </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/about-us/tenders" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/tenders" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/494116">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Procurement forecast" data-url="/en/about-us/tenders/procurement-forecast" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/tenders/procurement-forecast" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/558646">Procurement forecast</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Doing business with the EPO" data-url="/en/about-us/tenders/doing-business-with-the-epo" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/tenders/doing-business-with-the-epo" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447487">Doing business with the EPO</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Procurement procedures" data-url="/en/about-us/tenders/procurement-procedures" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/tenders/procurement-procedures" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447490">Procurement procedures</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) publications" data-url="/en/about-us/tenders/dynamic-purchasing-system-dps-publications" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/tenders/dynamic-purchasing-system-dps-publications" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1176440">Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) publications</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Sustainable Procurement Policy" data-url="/en/about-us/tenders/sustainable-procurement-policy" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/tenders/sustainable-procurement-policy" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1040905">Sustainable Procurement Policy</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="About eTendering" data-url="/en/about-us/tenders/signatures" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/tenders/signatures" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447493">About eTendering</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Invoicing" data-url="/en/about-us/tenders/invoicing" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/tenders/invoicing" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447502">Invoicing</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Procurement portal" data-url="/en/about-us/tenders/procurement-portal" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Procurement portal" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Procurement portal </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/about-us/tenders/procurement-portal" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/tenders/procurement-portal" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447496">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="e-Signing contracts" data-url="/en/about-us/tenders/procurement-portal/e-signing-contracts" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/tenders/procurement-portal/e-signing-contracts" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447499">e-Signing contracts</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="General conditions" data-url="/en/about-us/tenders/general-conditions" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/tenders/general-conditions" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447505">General conditions</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Archived tenders" data-url="/en/about-us/tenders/archived-tenders" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/tenders/archived-tenders" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/494122">Archived tenders</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Services &amp; activities" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Services &amp; activities" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Services &amp; activities </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323305">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Our services &amp; structure" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/services" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/services" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447415">Our services &amp; structure</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Quality" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Quality" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Quality </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/717244">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Foundations" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/foundations" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Foundations" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Foundations </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/foundations" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/foundations" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/726715">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="European Patent Convention" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/foundations/epc" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/foundations/epc" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/744157">European Patent Convention</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Guidelines for examination" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/foundations/guidelines" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/foundations/guidelines" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/746053">Guidelines for examination</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Our staff" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/foundations/staff" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/foundations/staff" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/746056">Our staff</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Enabling quality" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/enabling-quality" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Enabling quality" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Enabling quality </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/enabling-quality" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/enabling-quality" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/742150">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Prior art" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/enabling-quality/prior-art" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/enabling-quality/prior-art" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/746095">Prior art</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Classification" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/enabling-quality/classification" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/enabling-quality/classification" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/746098">Classification</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Tools" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/enabling-quality/tools" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/enabling-quality/tools" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/746101">Tools</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Processes" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/enabling-quality/processes" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/enabling-quality/processes" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/746104">Processes</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Products &amp; services" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/high-quality-products-services" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Products &amp; services" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Products &amp; services </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/high-quality-products-services" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/high-quality-products-services" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/742147">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Search" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/high-quality-products-services/search" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/high-quality-products-services/search" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/746059">Search</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Examination" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/high-quality-products-services/examination" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/high-quality-products-services/examination" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/746062">Examination</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Opposition" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/high-quality-products-services/opposition" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/high-quality-products-services/opposition" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/746065">Opposition</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Continuous improvement" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/high-quality-products-services/continual-improvement" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/high-quality-products-services/continual-improvement" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/850792">Continuous improvement</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Quality through networking" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/quality-through-networking" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Quality through networking" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Quality through networking </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/quality-through-networking" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/quality-through-networking" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/742153">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="User engagement" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/quality-through-networking/user-engagement" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/quality-through-networking/user-engagement" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/746107">User engagement</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Co-operation" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/quality-through-networking/cooperation" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/quality-through-networking/cooperation" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/746110">Co-operation</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="User satisfaction survey" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/quality-through-networking/surveys" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/quality-through-networking/surveys" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/746113">User satisfaction survey</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Stakeholder Quality Assurance Panels" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/quality-through-networking/sqap" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/quality-through-networking/sqap" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/746116">Stakeholder Quality Assurance Panels</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Patent Quality Charter" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/charter" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/charter" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447418">Patent Quality Charter</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Quality Action Plan 2024" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/quality-action-plan-2024" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/quality-action-plan-2024" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1106930">Quality Action Plan 2024</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Quality dashboard" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/quality-dashboard" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/quality-dashboard" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1103676">Quality dashboard</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Statistics" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/statistics" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Statistics" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Statistics </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/statistics" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/statistics" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/744136">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Search" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/statistics/search" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/statistics/search" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/744142">Search</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Examination" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/statistics/examination" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/statistics/examination" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/744148">Examination</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Opposition" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/statistics/opposition" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/statistics/opposition" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/744151">Opposition</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Integrated management at the EPO" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/integrated-management-epo" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/quality/integrated-management-epo" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1175106">Integrated management at the EPO</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Consulting our users" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/consulting-our-users" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Consulting our users" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Consulting our users </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/consulting-our-users" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/consulting-our-users" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447430">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Standing Advisory Committee before the EPO (SACEPO)" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/consulting-our-users/sacepo" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Standing Advisory Committee before the EPO (SACEPO)" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Standing Advisory Committee before the EPO (SACEPO) </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/consulting-our-users/sacepo" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/consulting-our-users/sacepo" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/829624">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Objectives" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/Consultingourusers/sacepo/objectives" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/Consultingourusers/sacepo/objectives" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447436">Objectives</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="SACEPO and its working parties" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/Consultingourusers/sacepo/members" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/Consultingourusers/sacepo/members" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447439">SACEPO and its working parties</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Meetings" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/Consultingourusers/sacepo/agenda" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/Consultingourusers/sacepo/agenda" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447442">Meetings</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Single Access Portal – SACEPO Area" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/Consultingourusers/sacepo/delegates" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/Consultingourusers/sacepo/delegates" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447445">Single Access Portal – SACEPO Area</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Surveys" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/consulting-our-users/surveys" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Surveys" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Surveys </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/consulting-our-users/surveys" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/consulting-our-users/surveys" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447565">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Detailed methodology" data-url="/en/service-support/contact-us/surveys/patent-filings/methodology" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/service-support/contact-us/surveys/patent-filings/methodology" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447583">Detailed methodology</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Search services" data-url="/en/service-support/contact-us/surveys/search" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/service-support/contact-us/surveys/search" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447568">Search services</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Examination services, final actions and publication" data-url="/en/service-support/contact-us/surveys/examination" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/service-support/contact-us/surveys/examination" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447571">Examination services, final actions and publication</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Opposition services" data-url="/en/service-support/contact-us/surveys/opposition" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/service-support/contact-us/surveys/opposition" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447574">Opposition services</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Customer services" data-url="/en/service-support/contact-us/surveys/customer-services" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/service-support/contact-us/surveys/customer-services" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447595">Customer services</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Filing services" data-url="/en/service-support/contact-us/surveys/filing" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/service-support/contact-us/surveys/filing" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/558658">Filing services</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Website" data-url="/en/service-support/contact-us/surveys/website" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/service-support/contact-us/surveys/website" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447598">Website</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Archive" data-url="/en/service-support/contact-us/surveys/patent-filings/archive" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/service-support/contact-us/surveys/patent-filings/archive" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447586">Archive</a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Our user service charter" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/servicecharter" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/servicecharter" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447421">Our user service charter</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="European and international co-operation" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/international-european-cooperation" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu European and international co-operation" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> European and international co-operation </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/international-european-cooperation" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/international-european-cooperation" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323308">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Co-operation with member states" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/international-european-cooperation/member-states" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Co-operation with member states" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Co-operation with member states </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/international-european-cooperation/member-states" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/international-european-cooperation/member-states" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447448">Overview</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Bilateral co-operation with non-member states" 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" data-url="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/wrongdoing-reporting" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/services-and-activities/wrongdoing-reporting" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/547225">Reporting wrongdoing</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Observatory on Patents and Technology" data-url="/en/about-us/observatory-patents-and-technology" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Observatory on Patents and Technology" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Observatory on Patents and Technology </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/observatory-patents-and-technology" data-elastic-exclude> <a 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" data-title="Social and relational" data-url="/en/about-us/transparency-portal/social-and-relational" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/transparency-portal/social-and-relational" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/415675">Social and relational</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Economic" data-url="/en/about-us/transparency-portal/economical" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/transparency-portal/economical" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/415678">Economic</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Governance" data-url="/en/about-us/transparency-portal/governance" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/transparency-portal/governance" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/415681">Governance</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Statistics and trends" data-url="/en/about-us/statistics" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Statistics and trends" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Statistics and trends </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/statistics" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/statistics" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323344">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Statistics &amp; Trends Centre" data-url="/en/about-us/statistics/statistics-centre" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/statistics/statistics-centre" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/18205">Statistics &amp; 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" data-url="/en/about-us/statistics/patent-index-2023/insight-artificial-intelligence" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/statistics/patent-index-2023/insight-artificial-intelligence" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1083451">Insight into artificial intelligence</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Insight into cancer-combatting technologies" data-url="/en/about-us/statistics/patent-index-2023/insight-cancer-technologies" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/statistics/patent-index-2023/insight-cancer-technologies" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1083452">Insight into cancer-combatting technologies</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Statistics and indicators" data-url="/en/about-us/statistics/patent-index-2023/statistics-and-indicators" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" 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" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Granted patents" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Granted patents </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/granted-patents/key-trend" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/statistics/patent-index-2023/statistics-and-indicators/granted-patents/key-trend" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1092638">Key trend</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Origin" data-url="/en/about-us/statistics/patent-index-2023/statistics-and-indicators/granted-patents/origin" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/statistics/patent-index-2023/statistics-and-indicators/granted-patents/origin" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1092639">Origin</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Designations" data-url="/en/about-us/statistics/patent-index-2023/statistics-and-indicators/granted-patents/designations" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/statistics/patent-index-2023/statistics-and-indicators/granted-patents/designations" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1092640">Designations</a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Data to download" data-url="/en/about-us/statistics/data-download" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/statistics/data-download" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1111457">Data to download</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="EPO Data Hub" data-url="/en/about-us/statistics/epo-data-hub" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/statistics/epo-data-hub" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447514">EPO Data Hub</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Clarification on data sources" data-url="/en/about-us/statistics/clarification-data-sources" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/statistics/clarification-data-sources" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447517">Clarification on data sources</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="History" data-url="/en/about-us/timeline" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu History" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> History </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/about-us/timeline" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/timeline" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323392">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="1970s" data-url="/en/about-us/timeline/1970s" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/timeline/1970s" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323098">1970s</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="1980s" data-url="/en/about-us/timeline/1980s" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/timeline/1980s" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323122">1980s</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="1990s" data-url="/en/about-us/timeline/1990s" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/timeline/1990s" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323185">1990s</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="2000s" data-url="/en/about-us/timeline/2000s" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/timeline/2000s" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323188">2000s</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="2010s" data-url="/en/about-us/timeline/2010s" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/timeline/2010s" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323194">2010s</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="2020s" data-url="/en/about-us/timeline/2020s" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/timeline/2020s" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323671">2020s</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Art collection" data-url="/en/about-us/art" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Art collection" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Art collection </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/art" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/art" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/284977">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="The collection" data-url="/en/about-us/art/about" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/art/about" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/376330">The collection</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Let&#039;s talk about art" data-url="/en/about-us/art/lets-talk-about-art" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/art/lets-talk-about-art" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/285046">Let&#039;s talk about art</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Artists" data-url="/en/about-us/art/collection" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/art/collection" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/285031">Artists</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Media library" data-url="/en/about-us/art/art-film" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/art/art-film" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/285055">Media library</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="What&#039;s on" data-url="/en/about-us/art/whats-on" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/art/whats-on" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/285049">What&#039;s on</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Publications" data-url="/en/about-us/art/publications" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/art/publications" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/378208">Publications</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Contact" data-url="/en/about-us/art/contact" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/art/contact" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/365023">Contact</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Culture Space A&amp;T 5-10" data-url="/en/about-us/art/50-years-epc-exhibition" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Culture Space A&amp;T 5-10" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Culture Space A&amp;T 5-10 </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="Catalyst lab &amp; Deep vision" data-url="/en/about-us/art/50-years-epc-exhibition/catalyst-lab-curated-ars-electronica" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Catalyst lab &amp; Deep vision" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Catalyst lab &amp; Deep vision </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Irene Sauter (DE)" data-url="/en/about-us/art/50-years-epc-exhibition/catalyst-lab-curated-ars-electronica/fragment-927" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/art/50-years-epc-exhibition/catalyst-lab-curated-ars-electronica/fragment-927" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1222041">Irene Sauter (DE)</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="AVPD (DK)" data-url="/en/about-us/art/50-years-epc-exhibition/catalyst-lab-curated-ars-electronica/transparency-blackyellowblack" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/art/50-years-epc-exhibition/catalyst-lab-curated-ars-electronica/transparency-blackyellowblack" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1222042">AVPD (DK)</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Jan Robert Leegte (NL)" data-url="/en/about-us/art/50-years-epc-exhibition/catalyst-lab-curated-ars-electronica/underwater-landscape-trenches-islands" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/art/50-years-epc-exhibition/catalyst-lab-curated-ars-electronica/underwater-landscape-trenches-islands" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1222043">Jan Robert Leegte (NL)</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Jānis Dzirnieks (LV) #1" data-url="/en/about-us/art/50-years-epc-exhibition/catalyst-lab-curated-ars-electronica/untitled-1" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/art/50-years-epc-exhibition/catalyst-lab-curated-ars-electronica/untitled-1" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1222044">Jānis Dzirnieks (LV) #1</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Jānis Dzirnieks (LV) #2" data-url="/en/about-us/art/50-years-epc-exhibition/catalyst-lab-curated-ars-electronica/untitled-2" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/art/50-years-epc-exhibition/catalyst-lab-curated-ars-electronica/untitled-2" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1222045">Jānis Dzirnieks (LV) #2</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Péter Szalay (HU)" data-url="/en/about-us/art/50-years-epc-exhibition/catalyst-lab-curated-ars-electronica/24-hours-sculpture" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/art/50-years-epc-exhibition/catalyst-lab-curated-ars-electronica/24-hours-sculpture" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1222046">Péter Szalay (HU)</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Thomas Feuerstein (AT)" data-url="/en/about-us/art/50-years-epc-exhibition/catalyst-lab-curated-ars-electronica/thesaurus" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/art/50-years-epc-exhibition/catalyst-lab-curated-ars-electronica/thesaurus" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1222047">Thomas Feuerstein (AT)</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Tom Burr (US)" data-url="/en/about-us/art/50-years-epc-exhibition/catalyst-lab-curated-ars-electronica/folding-screen" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/art/50-years-epc-exhibition/catalyst-lab-curated-ars-electronica/folding-screen" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1222048">Tom Burr (US)</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Wolfgang Tillmans (DE)" data-url="/en/about-us/art/50-years-epc-exhibition/catalyst-lab-curated-ars-electronica/paper-drop" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/art/50-years-epc-exhibition/catalyst-lab-curated-ars-electronica/paper-drop" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1222049">Wolfgang Tillmans (DE)</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="TerraPort" data-url="/en/about-us/art/50-years-epc-exhibition/catalyst-lab-curated-ars-electronica/terraport" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/art/50-years-epc-exhibition/catalyst-lab-curated-ars-electronica/terraport" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/795490">TerraPort</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Unfinished Sculpture - Captives #1" data-url="/en/about-us/art/50-years-epc-exhibition/catalyst-lab-curated-ars-electronica/unfinished-sculpture-captives-1" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/art/50-years-epc-exhibition/catalyst-lab-curated-ars-electronica/unfinished-sculpture-captives-1" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/795493">Unfinished Sculpture - Captives #1</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Deep vision – immersive exhibition" data-url="/en/about-us/art/50-years-epc-exhibition/catalyst-lab-curated-ars-electronica/black-box-deep-vision" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/art/50-years-epc-exhibition/catalyst-lab-curated-ars-electronica/black-box-deep-vision" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/795499">Deep vision – immersive exhibition</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Previous exhibitions" data-url="/en/about-us/art/50-years-epc-exhibition/catalyst-lab-curated-ars-electronica/previous-exhibitions" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/art/50-years-epc-exhibition/catalyst-lab-curated-ars-electronica/previous-exhibitions" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1217473">Previous exhibitions</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="The European Patent Journey" data-url="/en/about-us/art/50-years-epc-exhibition/european-patent-journey" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/art/50-years-epc-exhibition/european-patent-journey" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/795502">The European Patent Journey</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Sustaining life. Art in the climate emergency" data-url="/en/about-us/art/50-years-epc-exhibition/sustaining-life-art-climate-emergency" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/art/50-years-epc-exhibition/sustaining-life-art-climate-emergency" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/795505">Sustaining life. Art in the climate emergency</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Next generation statements" data-url="/en/about-us/art/50-years-epc-exhibition/next-generation-statements-colab-international-peace" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/art/50-years-epc-exhibition/next-generation-statements-colab-international-peace" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/795520">Next generation statements</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Open storage" data-url="/en/about-us/art/50-years-epc-exhibition/schaulager-out-box" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/art/50-years-epc-exhibition/schaulager-out-box" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/795523">Open storage</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Cosmic bar" data-url="/en/about-us/art/50-years-epc-exhibition/cosmic-bar" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/art/50-years-epc-exhibition/cosmic-bar" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/892993">Cosmic bar</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="&quot;Long Night&quot;" data-url="/en/about-us/art/lange-nacht" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/about-us/art/lange-nacht" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1199607">&quot;Long Night&quot;</a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Boards of Appeal " data-url="" data-elastic-exclude> <span class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" aria-expanded="false" data-toggle="dropdown" title="Expand menu Boards of Appeal " data-elastic-exclude="">Boards of Appeal </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/case-law-appeals" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/case-law-appeals" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/285091">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Decisions of the Boards of Appeal" data-url="/en/case-law-appeals/decisions" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Decisions of the Boards of Appeal" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Decisions of the Boards of Appeal </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/case-law-appeals/decisions" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/case-law-appeals/decisions" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/715258">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Recent decisions" data-url="/en/case-law-appeals/decisions/recent" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/case-law-appeals/decisions/recent" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/715234">Recent decisions</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Selected decisions" data-url="/en/case-law-appeals/decisions/selected" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/case-law-appeals/decisions/selected" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/715243">Selected decisions</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Procedure" data-url="/en/case-law-appeals/procedure" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/case-law-appeals/procedure" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447118">Procedure</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Annual reports" data-url="/en/case-law-appeals/annual-reports" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Annual reports" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Annual reports </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/case-law-appeals/annual-reports" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/case-law-appeals/annual-reports" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447121">Overview</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Organisation" data-url="/en/case-law-appeals/organisation" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Organisation" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Organisation </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/case-law-appeals/organisation" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/case-law-appeals/organisation" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447133">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="President of the Boards of Appeal" data-url="/en/case-law-appeals/organisation/president" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/case-law-appeals/organisation/president" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447130">President of the Boards of Appeal</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Enlarged Board of Appeal" data-url="/en/case-law-appeals/organisation/eba" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Enlarged Board of Appeal" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Enlarged Board of Appeal </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/case-law-appeals/organisation/eba" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/case-law-appeals/organisation/eba" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/285193">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Pending referrals (Art. 112 EPC)" data-url="/en/case-law-appeals/organisation/eba/referrals-pending-enlarged-board-appeal" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/case-law-appeals/organisation/eba/referrals-pending-enlarged-board-appeal" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447109">Pending referrals (Art. 112 EPC)</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Decisions sorted by number (Art. 112 EPC)" data-url="/en/case-law-appeals/organisation/eba/decisions-sorted-number" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/case-law-appeals/organisation/eba/decisions-sorted-number" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/492223">Decisions sorted by number (Art. 112 EPC)</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Pending petitions for review (Art. 112a EPC)" data-url="/en/case-law-appeals/organisation/eba/pending-petitions-review" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/case-law-appeals/organisation/eba/pending-petitions-review" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447112">Pending petitions for review (Art. 112a EPC)</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Decisions on petitions for review (Art. 112a EPC)" data-url="/en/case-law-appeals/organisation/eba/decisions-petitions-review-sorted-date" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/case-law-appeals/organisation/eba/decisions-petitions-review-sorted-date" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447115">Decisions on petitions for review (Art. 112a EPC)</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Technical Boards of Appeal" data-url="/en/case-law-appeals/organisation/technical-boards-of-appeal" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/case-law-appeals/organisation/technical-boards-of-appeal" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447136">Technical Boards of Appeal</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Legal Board of Appeal" data-url="/en/case-law-appeals/organisation/legal-board-appeal" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/case-law-appeals/organisation/legal-board-appeal" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" 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 Presidium" data-url="/en/case-law-appeals/organisation/presidium/composition-presidium" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Composition of the Presidium" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Composition of the 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" data-title="Archive" data-url="/en/case-law-appeals/organisation/presidium/composition-presidium/archive" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/case-law-appeals/organisation/presidium/composition-presidium/archive" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447151">Archive</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/case-law-appeals/organisation/presidium" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/case-law-appeals/organisation/presidium" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447145">Overview</a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Code of Conduct" data-url="/en/case-law-appeals/code-conduct" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/case-law-appeals/code-conduct" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447154">Code of Conduct</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Business distribution scheme" data-url="/en/case-law-appeals/business-distribution" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Business distribution scheme" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Business distribution scheme </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/case-law-appeals/business-distribution" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/case-law-appeals/business-distribution" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447157">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Technical boards of appeal by IPC in 2024" data-url="/en/case-law-appeals/business-distribution/technical-boards-appeal-ipc-2024" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/case-law-appeals/business-distribution/technical-boards-appeal-ipc-2024" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447160">Technical boards of appeal by IPC in 2024</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Archive" data-url="/en/case-law-appeals/business-distribution/archive" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/case-law-appeals/business-distribution/archive" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447163">Archive</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Annual list of cases" data-url="/en/case-law-appeals/annual-list-of-cases" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/case-law-appeals/annual-list-of-cases" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447166">Annual list of cases</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Communications" data-url="/en/case-law-appeals/communications" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/case-law-appeals/communications" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/105394">Communications</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Publications" data-url="/en/case-law-appeals/publications" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/case-law-appeals/publications" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447169">Publications</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Case Law of the Boards of Appeal" data-url="/en/legal/case-law" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Case Law of the Boards of Appeal" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Case Law of the Boards of Appeal </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/case-law" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/legal/case-law" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/285271">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Archive" data-url="/en/legal/case-law/archive" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/legal/case-law/archive" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447172">Archive</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Case Law from the Contracting States to the EPC" data-url="/en/legal/national-patent-decisions" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/legal/national-patent-decisions" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/285280">Case Law from the Contracting States to the EPC</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Oral proceedings" data-url="/en/case-law-appeals/oral-proceedings" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/case-law-appeals/oral-proceedings" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447175">Oral proceedings</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Service &amp; support" data-url="" data-elastic-exclude> <span class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" aria-expanded="false" data-toggle="dropdown" title="Expand menu Service &amp; support" data-elastic-exclude="">Service &amp; support</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/service-support" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/service-support" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323278">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Website updates" data-url="/en/service-support/website-updates" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/service-support/website-updates" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/492238">Website updates</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Availability of online services" data-url="/en/service-support/availability-online-services" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Availability of online services" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Availability of online 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/service-support/availability-online-services" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/service-support/availability-online-services" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/492229">Overview</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="FAQ" data-url="/en/service-support/faq" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu FAQ" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> FAQ </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/faq" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/service-support/faq" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/497878">Overview</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Publications" data-url="/en/service-support/publications" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/service-support/publications" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/54316">Publications</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Ordering" data-url="/en/service-support/ordering" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Ordering" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Ordering </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/ordering" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/service-support/ordering" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323281">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Terms and conditions" data-url="/en/service-support/ordering/terms-and-conditions" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Terms and conditions" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Terms and conditions </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/ordering/terms-and-conditions" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/service-support/ordering/terms-and-conditions" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447526">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Patent information products" data-url="/en/service-support/ordering/pi-terms-and-conditions" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/service-support/ordering/pi-terms-and-conditions" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447532">Patent information products</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Bulk data sets" data-url="/en/service-support/ordering/raw-data-terms-and-conditions" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/service-support/ordering/raw-data-terms-and-conditions" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447535">Bulk data sets</a> </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 tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Contact us" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Contact us </span> <a class="dropdown-icon"></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu" data-elastic-exclude> <li> <a class="menu-back"> </a> <span class="go-back" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude> Go back </span> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Overview" data-url="/en/service-support/contact-us" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/service-support/contact-us" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323350">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Filing options" data-url="/en/service-support/contact-us/filing-options" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/service-support/contact-us/filing-options" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323452">Filing options</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Locations" data-url="/en/service-support/contact-us/locations" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/service-support/contact-us/locations" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323455">Locations</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Specific contact" data-url="/en/service-support/contact-us/specific-contact" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/service-support/contact-us/specific-contact" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323359">Specific contact</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown" data-title="Subscription centre" data-url="/en/service-support/subscription-centre" data-elastic-exclude> <span tabindex="0" class="nav-item dropdown nav-link" title="Expand menu Subscription centre" aria-expanded='false' data-elastic-exclude> Subscription 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/service-support/subscription-centre" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/service-support/subscription-centre" class="hide-in-sidebar nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/104874">Overview</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Subscribe" data-url="/en/service-support/subscription-centre/subscribe" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/service-support/subscription-centre/subscribe" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/104875">Subscribe</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Change preferences" data-url="/en/service-support/subscription-centre/change-preferences" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/service-support/subscription-centre/change-preferences" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/104876">Change preferences</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Unsubscribe" data-url="/en/service-support/subscription-centre/unsubscribe" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/service-support/subscription-centre/unsubscribe" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/104880">Unsubscribe</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Official holidays" data-url="/en/service-support/holidays" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/service-support/holidays" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447610">Official holidays</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="Glossary" data-url="/en/service-support/glossary" data-elastic-exclude> <a href="/en/service-support/glossary" class="nav-item nav-link" tabindex="0" data-elastic-exclude="" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447616">Glossary</a> </li> <li class="nav-item" data-title="RSS 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">&nbsp;</span> <span class="burguer burguer-two d-block">&nbsp;</span><span class="burguer burguer-three d-block">&nbsp;</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-239 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-85ab774ad9e6ff0e0997149e440220aa4956512e88268f3faf72a987df18db09"> <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/about-us/administrative-council">Administrative Council and subsidiary bodies</a></div></div></div></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodepagetitle"> <h3>Communiqués<span class="overview-appended d-block">Overview</span></h3> </div> <div> <ul class="nav navbar-nav"> <li class="nav-item"> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques/2023" class="nav-link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1166619">2023</a> </li> <li class="nav-item"> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques/2022" class="nav-link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/518689">2022</a> </li> <li class="nav-item"> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques/2021" class="nav-link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447340">2021</a> </li> <li class="nav-item"> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques/2020" class="nav-link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447343">2020</a> </li> <li class="nav-item"> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques/2019" class="nav-link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447346">2019</a> </li> <li class="nav-item"> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques/2018" class="nav-link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447349">2018</a> </li> <li class="nav-item"> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques/2017" class="nav-link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447352">2017</a> </li> <li class="nav-item"> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques/2016" class="nav-link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447355">2016</a> </li> <li class="nav-item"> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques/2015" class="nav-link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447358">2015</a> </li> <li class="nav-item"> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques/2014" class="nav-link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447361">2014</a> </li> <li class="nav-item"> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques/2013" class="nav-link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447364">2013</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-239 layoutcomponents-one-column container url-print d-none d-print-block 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-fixed-block-content block-fixed-block-contentnode-url"> <div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item">https://www.epo.org/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques</div> </div> </div> <div class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodepagetitle"> <h2><a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques" hreflang="en">Communiqués</a></h2> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="lc-section lc-section-239 layoutcomponents-one-column container breadcrumb-page-actions 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="lc-inline_subcolumn_type_group_1-edit js-layout-builder-column"> <div class="lc-inline_block_3275c31de7ce74592f9b86d434b9f5fd-edit block block-system block-system-breadcrumb-block"> <nav aria-label="breadcrumb"> <ol class="breadcrumb"> <li class="breadcrumb-item-home"> <a href="/en">Home</a> </li> <li class="breadcrumb-item"> <a href="/en/about-us">About us</a> </li> <li class="breadcrumb-item"> <a href="/en/about-us/administrative-council">Administrative Council and subsidiary bodies</a> </li> <li class="breadcrumb-item"> Communiqués </li> </ol> </nav> </div> <div class="lc-inline_block_73c659b67bd1bdc05ed0ff398a939cf6-edit block block-fixed-block-content block-fixed-block-contentprint-block"> <div class="print-button-container"> <button class="tertiary-button icon-button icon-printer rounded noPrint" tabindex="0" type="button" onclick="window.print();" aria-label="Print button" ></button> </div> </div> <div class="lc-inline_block_6548903e806c7d825ee4f5bcbad666e6-edit block block-better-social-sharing-buttons block-social-sharing-buttons-block"> <a href="#" class="tertiary-button better-social-button button-icon icon-share" aria-label="Better Social Sharing Button"></a> <div style="display: none"><svg aria-hidden="true" style="position: absolute; width: 0; height: 0; overflow: hidden;" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <defs> <symbol id="copy" viewBox="0 0 64 64"> <path fill="#2b6a94" style="fill: var(--color1, #2b6a94)" d="M0 0h64v64h-64z"></path> <path fill="#fff" style="fill: var(--color2, #fff)" d="M44.039 35.858l6.008-6.009c4.383-4.382 4.383-11.513 0-15.895-4.382-4.383-11.513-4.383-15.896 0l-8.67 8.67c-4.383 4.382-4.383 11.513 0 15.895 0.647 0.648 1.355 1.197 2.105 1.653l4.642-4.642c-0.884-0.211-1.723-0.658-2.411-1.345-1.992-1.992-1.992-5.234 0-7.225l8.67-8.67c1.992-1.992 5.234-1.992 7.225 0s1.992 5.233 0 7.225l-2.547 2.548c1.050 2.47 1.34 5.187 0.874 7.796z"></path> <path fill="#fff" style="fill: var(--color2, #fff)" d="M19.962 28.142l-6.008 6.008c-4.383 4.382-4.383 11.513 0 15.896 4.382 4.383 11.513 4.383 15.896 0l8.67-8.67c4.383-4.382 4.382-11.513 0-15.895-0.647-0.648-1.355-1.197-2.104-1.653l-4.642 4.642c0.884 0.212 1.722 0.657 2.411 1.345 1.992 1.992 1.992 5.233 0 7.225l-8.671 8.67c-1.992 1.992-5.233 1.992-7.225 0s-1.992-5.233 0-7.225l2.548-2.547c-1.050-2.47-1.34-5.188-0.874-7.797z"></path> </symbol> <symbol id="email" viewBox="0 0 64 64"> <path fill="#f60" style="fill: var(--color4, #f60)" d="M0 0h64v64h-64z"></path> <path fill="#fff" style="fill: var(--color2, #fff)" d="M32 35.077l18.462-16h-36.924zM27.013 33.307l4.987 4.091 4.909-4.093 13.553 11.617h-36.924zM12.307 43.693v-23.386l13.539 11.693zM51.693 43.693v-23.386l-13.539 11.693z"></path> </symbol> <symbol id="evernote" viewBox="0 0 64 64"> <path fill="#489951" style="fill: var(--color5, #489951)" d="M3.196 0h57.609c1.765 0 3.196 1.426 3.196 3.196v57.609c0 1.765-1.426 3.196-3.196 3.196h-57.609c-1.765 0-3.196-1.426-3.196-3.196v-57.609c0-1.765 1.426-3.196 3.196-3.196z"></path> <path fill="#fff" style="fill: var(--color2, #fff)" d="M47.093 19.16c-0.296-1.572-1.239-2.346-2.090-2.651-0.919-0.329-2.783-0.671-5.125-0.944-1.884-0.221-4.099-0.202-5.437-0.162-0.161-1.090-0.932-2.087-1.794-2.431-2.299-0.917-5.853-0.696-6.765-0.443-0.724 0.201-1.527 0.613-1.974 1.247-0.3 0.424-0.493 0.967-0.494 1.725 0 0.429 0.012 1.441 0.023 2.339 0.011 0.901 0.023 1.708 0.023 1.713-0 0.802-0.656 1.455-1.469 1.456h-3.728c-0.796 0-1.403 0.133-1.867 0.342s-0.794 0.492-1.044 0.826c-0.498 0.662-0.585 1.481-0.583 2.315 0 0 0.008 0.682 0.173 2.002 0.138 1.021 1.255 8.158 2.317 10.328 0.411 0.845 0.685 1.196 1.494 1.568 1.801 0.764 5.915 1.615 7.843 1.859 1.924 0.244 3.133 0.757 3.852-0.74 0.003-0.004 0.145-0.372 0.339-0.913 0.625-1.878 0.712-3.544 0.712-4.75 0-0.123 0.181-0.128 0.181 0 0 0.851-0.164 3.864 2.131 4.672 0.906 0.319 2.785 0.602 4.695 0.825 1.727 0.197 2.98 0.871 2.98 5.264 0 2.672-0.566 3.039-3.525 3.039-2.399 0-3.313 0.062-3.313-1.828 0-1.527 1.524-1.367 2.653-1.367 0.504 0 0.138-0.372 0.138-1.314 0-0.937 0.591-1.479 0.032-1.493-3.905-0.107-6.201-0.005-6.201 4.837 0 4.396 1.696 5.212 7.238 5.212 4.345 0 5.876-0.141 7.67-5.66 0.355-1.090 1.213-4.415 1.733-9.998 0.328-3.531-0.31-14.186-0.816-16.875v0zM39.52 30.936c-0.537-0.019-1.053 0.015-1.534 0.092 0.135-1.084 0.587-2.416 2.187-2.361 1.771 0.061 2.020 1.721 2.026 2.845-0.747-0.331-1.672-0.541-2.679-0.576v0zM18.088 19.935h3.73c0.213 0 0.386-0.173 0.386-0.383 0-0.002-0.045-3.169-0.045-4.050v-0.011c0-0.723 0.153-1.355 0.42-1.883l0.127-0.237c-0.014 0.002-0.029 0.010-0.043 0.023l-7.243 7.122c-0.014 0.012-0.023 0.027-0.027 0.042 0.15-0.074 0.354-0.174 0.384-0.186 0.631-0.283 1.396-0.437 2.311-0.437v0z"></path> </symbol> <symbol id="facebook" viewBox="0 0 64 64"> <path fill="#3a559f" style="fill: var(--color6, #3a559f)" d="M0 0v64h34.084v-24.722h-8.332v-10.092h8.332v-8.476c0-6.164 4.997-11.161 11.161-11.161h8.71v9.075h-6.233c-1.959 0-3.547 1.588-3.547 3.547v7.015h9.623l-1.33 10.092h-8.293v24.722h19.824v-64h-64z"></path> </symbol> <symbol id="linkedin" viewBox="0 0 64 64"> <path fill="#0076b2" style="fill: var(--color7, #0076b2)" d="M0 0h64v64h-64z"></path> <path fill="#fff" style="fill: var(--color2, #fff)" d="M14.537 25.873h7.435v23.896h-7.434v-23.896zM18.257 13.995c2.375 0 4.305 1.929 4.305 4.306s-1.929 4.307-4.305 4.307c-0.001 0-0.002 0-0.003 0-2.378 0-4.305-1.927-4.305-4.305 0-0.001 0-0.001 0-0.002v0c0-0 0-0.001 0-0.002 0-2.378 1.927-4.305 4.305-4.305 0.001 0 0.002 0 0.004 0h-0zM26.631 25.873h7.119v3.267h0.102c0.99-1.879 3.413-3.86 7.027-3.86 7.52 0 8.909 4.948 8.909 11.384v13.106h-7.425v-11.621c0-2.771-0.048-6.336-3.86-6.336-3.864 0-4.453 3.020-4.453 6.138v11.819h-7.418v-23.896z"></path> </symbol> <symbol id="messenger" viewBox="0 0 64 64"> <path fill="#0084ff" style="fill: var(--color8, #0084ff)" d="M0 0h64v64h-64z"></path> <path fill="#fff" style="fill: var(--color2, #fff)" d="M32 8.765c-12.703 0-23 9.63-23 21.508 0 6.758 3.332 12.787 8.544 16.73v8.231l7.849-4.354c1.972 0.571 4.238 0.9 6.58 0.9 0.009 0 0.019 0 0.028 0h-0.002c12.703 0 23-9.629 23-21.508s-10.297-21.508-23-21.508zM34.422 37.607l-5.949-6.18-11.456 6.335 12.56-13.328 5.949 6.18 11.455-6.335-12.559 13.329z"></path> </symbol> <symbol id="pinterest" viewBox="0 0 64 64"> <path fill="#bd081c" style="fill: var(--color9, #bd081c)" d="M0 0h64v64h-64z"></path> <path fill="#fff" style="fill: var(--color2, #fff)" d="M45.873 25.872c0 8.078-4.487 14.11-11.108 14.11-2.222 0-4.313-1.203-5.030-2.568 0 0-1.195 4.745-1.448 5.66-0.89 3.233-3.512 6.47-3.715 6.737-0.142 0.182-0.457 0.125-0.49-0.117-0.058-0.413-0.725-4.495 0.063-7.825 0.395-1.67 2.648-11.218 2.648-11.218s-0.657-1.315-0.657-3.258c0-3.052 1.77-5.329 3.97-5.329 1.872 0 2.778 1.405 2.778 3.090 0 1.884-1.198 4.698-1.818 7.306-0.517 2.185 1.095 3.965 3.25 3.965 3.9 0 6.525-5.010 6.525-10.945 0-4.511-3.037-7.89-8.565-7.89-6.242 0-10.135 4.657-10.135 9.86 0 1.793 0.53 3.058 1.358 4.036 0.38 0.45 0.435 0.632 0.297 1.149-0.102 0.38-0.325 1.29-0.422 1.653-0.135 0.52-0.558 0.708-1.030 0.515-2.875-1.175-4.215-4.325-4.215-7.865 0-5.849 4.933-12.86 14.713-12.86 7.862 0 13.032 5.686 13.032 11.793z"></path> </symbol> <symbol id="print" viewBox="0 0 64 64"> <path fill="#157efb" style="fill: var(--color10, #157efb)" d="M0 0h64v64h-64v-64z"></path> <path fill="#fff" style="fill: var(--color2, #fff)" d="M13 21h38v-12c0-2.2-1.8-4-4-4h-30c-2.2 0-4 1.8-4 4v12zM11 53h-2c-3.4 0-6-2.6-6-6v-18c0-3.4 2.6-6 6-6h46c3.4 0 6 2.6 6 6v18c0 3.4-2.6 6-6 6h-2v-16h-42v16zM13 39h38v16c0 2.2-1.8 4-4 4h-30c-2.2 0-4-1.8-4-4v-16zM49 33c1.2 0 2-0.8 2-2s-0.8-2-2-2-2 0.8-2 2 0.8 2 2 2v0zM17 45v2h30v-2h-30zM17 51v2h30v-2h-30z"></path> </symbol> <symbol id="reddit" viewBox="0 0 64 64"> <path fill="#ff4500" style="fill: var(--color11, #ff4500)" d="M0 0h64v64h-64z"></path> <path fill="#fff" style="fill: var(--color2, #fff)" d="M29.37 25.258c-0.001-1.233-1.001-2.232-2.233-2.233h-0c-1.233 0.002-2.231 1.001-2.232 2.233v0c0.001 1.232 1 2.231 2.232 2.233h0c1.233-0.001 2.232-1 2.233-2.232v-0zM36.861 23.023c-1.233 0.001-2.233 1.001-2.234 2.234v0c0.001 1.233 1.001 2.232 2.234 2.233h0c1.233-0.001 2.233-1 2.235-2.233v-0c-0.001-1.234-1.001-2.233-2.235-2.235h-0zM36.33 30.723c-0.843 0.842-2.272 1.252-4.33 1.252-2.059 0-3.487-0.41-4.329-1.252-0.112-0.112-0.267-0.182-0.439-0.182-0.343 0-0.62 0.278-0.62 0.62 0 0.171 0.069 0.326 0.182 0.439v0c1.087 1.086 2.801 1.615 5.206 1.615s4.119-0.529 5.207-1.615c0.112-0.112 0.182-0.267 0.182-0.439 0-0.343-0.278-0.62-0.62-0.62-0.171 0-0.326 0.069-0.438 0.181v0z"></path> <path fill="#fff" style="fill: var(--color2, #fff)" d="M48.13 22.825c0-2.023-1.645-3.668-3.667-3.668-0.933 0-1.785 0.352-2.432 0.927-2.488-1.602-5.705-2.54-9.149-2.677l1.89-5.977 5.142 1.21c0.012 1.66 1.359 3.002 3.020 3.004h0c1.669-0.002 3.021-1.354 3.023-3.022v-0c-0.002-1.669-1.355-3.021-3.023-3.022h-0c-1.235 0.002-2.297 0.743-2.766 1.806l-0.008 0.019-5.664-1.334c-0.043-0.011-0.092-0.017-0.143-0.017-0.276 0-0.509 0.18-0.59 0.429l-0.001 0.004-2.178 6.887c-3.619 0.067-7.015 1.015-9.613 2.69-0.642-0.576-1.495-0.927-2.431-0.927-0.001 0-0.001 0-0.002 0h0c-2.022 0-3.668 1.645-3.668 3.668 0.001 1.332 0.712 2.498 1.775 3.139l0.016 0.009c-0.055 0.343-0.083 0.692-0.083 1.042 0 2.622 1.535 5.068 4.324 6.889 0.887 0.579 1.87 1.071 2.923 1.473-2.056 0.98-3.511 3.366-3.511 6.148 0 3.142 1.858 5.778 4.34 6.455 0.194 0.605 0.409 1.181 0.644 1.723-0.103-0.008-0.224-0.014-0.345-0.014h-0.001c-2.232 0-4.047 1.525-4.047 3.398 0 0.28 0.049 0.57 0.151 0.885 0.083 0.251 0.316 0.429 0.59 0.429 0 0 0 0 0 0h18.617c0.272 0 0.512-0.176 0.593-0.435 0.101-0.325 0.148-0.603 0.148-0.879 0-1.873-1.816-3.398-4.050-3.398-0.084 0-0.166 0.002-0.248 0.007 0.234-0.54 0.449-1.114 0.641-1.715 2.483-0.676 4.34-3.313 4.34-6.455 0-2.782-1.456-5.168-3.511-6.148 1.053-0.402 2.036-0.894 2.922-1.472 2.788-1.82 4.325-4.267 4.325-6.889 0-0.351-0.029-0.698-0.083-1.042 1.079-0.651 1.789-1.817 1.79-3.148v-0zM44.717 12.623c0 0.982-0.8 1.781-1.783 1.781-0.983-0.001-1.78-0.798-1.78-1.781v-0c0.001-0.983 0.797-1.78 1.78-1.782h0c0.983 0 1.783 0.8 1.783 1.782zM40.763 53.086c0 0.024-0.001 0.048-0.002 0.074h-5.255c0.559-0.577 1.072-1.288 1.533-2.11 0.275-0.077 0.59-0.121 0.915-0.121h0c1.549 0 2.809 0.968 2.809 2.157zM25.951 50.928c0.363 0 0.709 0.053 1.026 0.15 0.456 0.81 0.965 1.511 1.516 2.081h-5.347c-0.002-0.022-0.002-0.047-0.003-0.073v-0c0-1.19 1.259-2.157 2.807-2.157zM33.535 53.16h-3.070c-2.758-1.578-4.745-7.083-4.745-13.203 0-1.446 0.111-2.847 0.314-4.168 1.849 0.559 3.875 0.854 5.967 0.854s4.118-0.296 5.969-0.855c0.199 1.245 0.313 2.681 0.313 4.144 0 0.008 0 0.017 0 0.025v-0.001c0 6.12-1.987 11.625-4.746 13.203zM24.628 36.941c-0.096 0.903-0.15 1.951-0.15 3.012 0 0.001 0 0.002 0 0.003v-0c0 2.325 0.27 4.55 0.756 6.537-1.573-0.813-2.681-2.733-2.681-4.968 0-1.935 0.831-3.634 2.075-4.583zM38.764 46.493c0.487-1.987 0.757-4.212 0.757-6.538 0-1.036-0.053-2.043-0.15-3.015 1.243 0.949 2.075 2.648 2.075 4.584 0 2.236-1.108 4.157-2.681 4.969zM32 35.403c-7.268 0-13.181-3.762-13.181-8.387s5.913-8.387 13.181-8.387 13.181 3.762 13.181 8.386c0 4.625-5.913 8.388-13.181 8.388zM19.538 20.398c0.514 0 0.991 0.162 1.384 0.435-1.416 1.128-2.41 2.444-2.928 3.861-0.541-0.447-0.883-1.118-0.883-1.869 0-0 0-0 0-0v0c0.002-1.34 1.087-2.425 2.426-2.427h0zM43.078 20.833c0.385-0.272 0.864-0.436 1.381-0.436 0.001 0 0.002 0 0.004 0h-0c1.34 0.002 2.425 1.087 2.426 2.427v0c0 0.752-0.345 1.424-0.883 1.869-0.518-1.418-1.511-2.732-2.928-3.86z"></path> </symbol> <symbol id="tumblr" viewBox="0 0 64 64"> <path fill="#3b445c" style="fill: var(--color13, #3b445c)" d="M0 0h64v64h-64z"></path> <path fill="#fff" style="fill: var(--color2, #fff)" d="M36.813 51.2c3.843 0 7.65-1.368 8.909-3.025l0.252-0.332-2.382-7.060c-0.022-0.064-0.082-0.109-0.152-0.109-0 0-0.001 0-0.001 0h-5.32c-0.001 0-0.002 0-0.003 0-0.072 0-0.133-0.049-0.152-0.115l-0-0.001c-0.062-0.235-0.099-0.523-0.105-0.879v-8.633c0-0.089 0.072-0.16 0.161-0.16h6.26c0.089 0 0.161-0.072 0.161-0.161v0-8.833c-0-0.089-0.072-0.16-0.161-0.16 0 0 0 0 0 0h-6.233c0 0 0 0 0 0-0.088 0-0.16-0.072-0.16-0.16 0-0 0-0 0-0v0-8.61c-0.001-0.088-0.072-0.16-0.161-0.16-0 0-0 0-0.001 0v0h-10.931c-0.942 0.016-1.712 0.73-1.815 1.647l-0.001 0.008c-0.546 4.443-2.584 7.11-6.415 8.39l-0.427 0.142c-0.064 0.022-0.11 0.082-0.11 0.152v7.585c0 0.088 0.073 0.16 0.161 0.16h3.912v9.341c0 7.457 5.165 10.975 14.713 10.975zM44.134 47.596c-1.199 1.154-3.66 2.010-6.019 2.050-0.089 0.002-0.176 0.002-0.264 0.002h-0.001c-7.758-0.001-9.828-5.922-9.828-9.422v-10.752c0-0.089-0.072-0.16-0.16-0.16v0h-3.752c-0 0-0 0-0 0-0.088 0-0.16-0.072-0.16-0.16 0-0 0-0 0-0v0-4.898c0-0.066 0.041-0.124 0.102-0.148 4.009-1.561 6.248-4.662 6.838-9.459 0.032-0.267 0.253-0.274 0.255-0.274h5.008c0.089 0 0.16 0.072 0.16 0.161v8.61c0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.088 0.072 0.16 0.16 0.16 0 0 0 0 0.001 0v0h6.233c0 0 0 0 0 0 0.088 0 0.16 0.072 0.16 0.16 0 0 0 0.001 0 0.001v-0 5.688c0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.088-0.072 0.16-0.16 0.16 0 0 0 0 0 0h-6.26c-0 0-0.001 0-0.001 0-0.088 0-0.16 0.072-0.16 0.16 0 0 0 0 0 0v0 10.22c0.038 2.301 1.151 3.468 3.31 3.468 0.87 0 1.867-0.203 2.777-0.55 0.017-0.007 0.037-0.011 0.058-0.011 0.069 0 0.128 0.045 0.15 0.107l0 0.001 1.593 4.72c0.020 0.060 0.006 0.126-0.040 0.169z"></path> </symbol> <symbol id="x" viewBox="0 0 128 128"> <path fill="#000" style="fill: var(--color14, #000)" d="M0,0h128v128H0V0z"></path> <path fill="#fff" style="fill: var(--color2, #fff)" d="M32.2,32L57,67.3L32,96h5.7l21.7-25.1L76.9,96H96L69.9,58.8L93.2,32h-5.7L67.3,55.2L51.1,32H32.2z M40.2,36.4H49l38.7,55.2h-8.8L40.2,36.4z"></path> </symbol> <symbol id="whatsapp" viewBox="0 0 64 64"> <path fill="#25d366" style="fill: var(--color15, #25d366)" d="M0 0h64v64h-64z"></path> <path fill="#fff" style="fill: var(--color2, #fff)" d="M14.080 50.007l2.532-9.248c-1.498-2.553-2.383-5.623-2.383-8.899 0-0.008 0-0.015 0-0.023v0.001c0.004-9.84 8.009-17.845 17.845-17.845 4.774 0.002 9.255 1.861 12.623 5.234 3.37 3.372 5.224 7.856 5.222 12.625-0.004 9.839-8.010 17.845-17.845 17.845 0 0 0.001 0 0 0h-0.008c-3.126-0-6.065-0.805-8.619-2.219l0.091 0.046-9.46 2.482zM23.978 44.294l0.542 0.322c2.158 1.299 4.763 2.068 7.548 2.068 0 0 0.001 0 0.001 0h0.006c8.175 0 14.829-6.654 14.832-14.832 0.002-3.963-1.54-7.689-4.34-10.493s-6.525-4.348-10.486-4.35c-8.181 0-14.835 6.654-14.838 14.831 0 0.007 0 0.015 0 0.023 0 2.918 0.845 5.638 2.303 7.93l-0.036-0.060 0.353 0.562-1.498 5.473 5.613-1.472z"></path> <path fill="#fff" style="fill: var(--color2, #fff)" d="M41.065 36.095c-0.111-0.186-0.408-0.297-0.854-0.521-0.447-0.223-2.639-1.301-3.047-1.45s-0.706-0.224-1.004 0.222c-0.297 0.447-1.151 1.452-1.411 1.748s-0.52 0.335-0.967 0.112c-0.446-0.223-1.882-0.694-3.585-2.213-1.326-1.182-2.221-2.642-2.48-3.088s-0.028-0.688 0.195-0.91c0.201-0.2 0.446-0.521 0.669-0.781s0.297-0.447 0.446-0.744c0.148-0.297 0.074-0.558-0.038-0.781s-1.003-2.418-1.375-3.311c-0.361-0.869-0.73-0.752-1.003-0.765-0.229-0.010-0.498-0.016-0.768-0.016-0.031 0-0.061 0-0.092 0h0.005c-0.297 0-0.78 0.112-1.189 0.558s-1.561 1.525-1.561 3.72c0 2.195 1.598 4.315 1.82 4.613s3.144 4.801 7.617 6.733c0.656 0.296 1.498 0.616 2.361 0.89l0.181 0.050c1.068 0.339 2.040 0.291 2.808 0.176 0.857-0.129 2.638-1.078 3.010-2.12s0.371-1.935 0.26-2.121z"></path> </symbol> <symbol id="xing" viewBox="8 8 48 48"> <path fill="#006064" style="fill: var(--color1, #006064)" d="M56 49.333c0 3.683-2.984 6.667-6.667 6.667h-34.667c-3.681 0-6.667-2.984-6.667-6.667v-34.667c0-3.683 2.985-6.667 6.667-6.667h34.667c3.683 0 6.667 2.984 6.667 6.667v34.667z"></path> <path fill="#fff" style="fill: var(--color2, #fff)" d="M22.196 40h-5.384c-0.324 0-0.567-0.147-0.701-0.364-0.143-0.231-0.151-0.529 0-0.82l5.721-10.032c0.005-0.013 0.005-0.017 0-0.031l-3.64-6.261c-0.153-0.296-0.175-0.589-0.032-0.82 0.135-0.223 0.408-0.339 0.732-0.339h5.385c0.825 0 1.231 0.531 1.497 1.007 0 0 3.681 6.377 3.703 6.413-0.217 0.383-5.812 10.212-5.812 10.212-0.275 0.495-0.664 1.035-1.469 1.035z"></path> <path fill="#cddc39" style="fill: var(--color3, #cddc39)" d="M47.885 15.841l-11.92 21.077c-0.007 0.015-0.007 0.025 0 0.035l7.589 13.872c0.149 0.299 0.156 0.6 0.012 0.831-0.139 0.221-0.388 0.344-0.715 0.344h-5.377c-0.823 0-1.237-0.547-1.503-1.028 0 0-7.632-13.997-7.652-14.033 0.381-0.675 11.979-21.245 11.979-21.245 0.288-0.517 0.64-1.027 1.441-1.027h5.443c0.323 0 0.579 0.121 0.715 0.345 0.141 0.229 0.136 0.529-0.012 0.829z"></path> </symbol> </defs> </svg> </div> <div class="social-sharing-buttons"> <!-- Facebook share button --> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.epo.org/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques&title=Communiqu%C3%A9s" target="_blank" title="Share to Facebook" aria-label="Share to Facebook" class="social-sharing-buttons__button" rel="noopener"> <svg width=20px height=20px style=border-radius:3px;> <use href="/modules/contrib/better_social_sharing_buttons/assets/dist/sprites/social-icons--square.svg#facebook" /> </svg> Facebook </a> <!-- X share button --> <a href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Communiqu%C3%A9s+https://www.epo.org/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques" target="_blank" title="Share to X" aria-label="Share to X" class="social-sharing-buttons__button" rel="noopener"> <svg width=20px height=20px style=border-radius:3px;> <use href="/modules/contrib/better_social_sharing_buttons/assets/dist/sprites/social-icons--square.svg#x" /> </svg> X </a> <!-- WhatsApp share button --> <!-- Facebook Messenger share button --> <!-- Pinterest share button --> <!-- Linkedin share button --> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https://www.epo.org/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques" target="_blank" title="Share to Linkedin" aria-label="Share to Linkedin" class="social-sharing-buttons__button" rel="noopener"> <svg width=20px height=20px style=border-radius:3px;> <use href="/modules/contrib/better_social_sharing_buttons/assets/dist/sprites/social-icons--square.svg#linkedin" /> </svg> Linkedin </a> <!-- Digg share button --> <!-- StumbleUpon share button --> <!-- Slashdot share button --> <!-- Tumblr share button --> <!-- Reddit share button --> <!-- Evernote share button --> <!-- Email share button --> <a href="mailto:?subject=Communiqu%C3%A9s&body=https://www.epo.org/en/about-us/administrative-council/communiques" title="Share to E-mail" aria-label="Share to E-mail" class="social-sharing-buttons__button" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <svg width=20px height=20px style=border-radius:3px;> <use href="/modules/contrib/better_social_sharing_buttons/assets/dist/sprites/social-icons--square.svg#email" /> </svg> Email </a> <!-- Copy link share button --> <!-- Print share button --> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="lc-section lc-section-239 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-blocknodepagetitle"> <h1>Communiqués</h1> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="lc-section lc-section-239 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><a class="icon-link_anchor" href="#SC/32"><span><span><span>32nd meeting of the Select Committee of the Administrative Council held in Munich (9 and 10 October 2024)</span></span></span></a></p> <p><a class="icon-link_anchor" href="#AC/180"><span><span><span><span><span><span>180th meeting of the Administrative Council of the European Patent Organisation (Munich, 10 and 11 October 2024)</span></span></span></span></span></span></a></p> <p><a class="icon-link_anchor" href="#AC/179"><span><span><span><span><span><span>179th meeting of the Administrative Council of the European Patent Organisation (Munich, 27 and 28 June 2024)</span></span></span></span></span></span></a></p> <p><a class="icon-link_anchor" href="#SC/31"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>31st meeting of the Select Committee of the Administrative Council held in Munich </span></span></span></span><span lang="DE"><span><span><span>(Munich, 21 March 2024)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a></p> <p><a class="icon-link_anchor" href="#AC/178"><span><span><span><span>178th meeting of the Administrative Council of the European Patent Organisation (Munich, 19-20 March 2024)</span></span></span></span></a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <hr> <p><span><span><span><a id="SC/32" name="SC/32"></a>Munich, 10 October 2024</span></span></span></p> <h3><span><span><span><strong>32nd meeting of the Select Committee of the Administrative Council held in Munich (9 and 10 October 2024)</strong></span></span></span></h3> <p><span><span><span>The Select Committee of the European Patent Organisation held its 32nd meeting in Munich on 9 and 10 October 2024 under its Chairperson Mr Jérôme DEBRULLE (BE).</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>The Committee unanimously elected Mr Paul VAN BEUKERING (NL) as chairperson of the Select Committee of the Administrative Council and unanimously re-elected Ms Simona MARZETTI (IT) as deputy chairperson for a renewable three-year term of office, effective as of 27&nbsp;March 2025. It also unanimously decided to admit the Unified Patent Court (UPC) as an observer.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>The Committee then noted the update by the Registrar of the UPC, Mr Alexander RAMSAY, on the latest UPC developments and achievements to date.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>The Office provided an update on the status of the operational and financial aspects of the Unitary Patent system for 2023 and the first half of 2024, emphasising the system’s popularity among users, as reflected by some 40 000 requests for unitary effect to date, and highlighting the constant increase throughout 2024 in the uptake rate, which had risen to 24.8% by the time of the meeting. Romania’s accession on 1&nbsp;September&nbsp;2024 marked the beginning of the second generation of Unitary Patents. Current figures indicate that most requests are coming from proprietors in EPC contracting states, with a significant proportion from SMEs and research centres. The Committee also noted the reports on the distribution of fees in Q1 and Q2 2024, showing a 20% higher than expected increase in overall fee income, and the application of the safety net mechanism for 2023 and the provisional settlement for 2024.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>The Committee then gave a unanimous favourable opinion on the draft statement of income and expenditure with regard to the implementation of the tasks relating to Unitary Patent protection in 2025.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Furthermore, the Committee received an update from the Office and the European Commission regarding their respective communication and promotional activities undertaken since the Committee’s previous meeting.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>After an exchange of views on the implementation of the 14th package of EU sanctions against Russia in procedures related to the Unitary Patent, the Committee gave a unanimous favourable opinion on the proposed amendment of Rule&nbsp;5(2) UPR and requested that a draft decision be submitted as soon as possible for its approval in a written procedure.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Lastly the Committee noted the request by the Office to member states to inform it of any changes to the national measures relating to the Unitary Patent as soon as they become available.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>In closing, the Committee noted that its next meeting would take place in March 2025.</span></span></span></p> <p class="paragraph"><span><span><span>Council Secretariat</span></span></span></p> <hr> <p class="paragraph"><span><span><span><span><span><span><a id="AC/180" name="AC/180"></a>Munich, 11 October 2024</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <h3 class="paragraph"><span><span><span><span><strong><span><span>180th meeting of the Administrative Council of the European Patent Organisation (Munich, 10 and 11 October 2024</span></span></strong><span><span>)</span></span></span></span></span></span></h3> <p class="paragraph"><span><span><span><span><span><span>The Administrative Council of the European Patent Organisation held its 180th meeting in Munich in a hybrid format on 10 and 11 October 2024 under its Chairperson Josef KRATOCHVÍL (CZ).</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="paragraph"><span><span><span><span><span><span>After the Chairperson's activities report, the Council noted the Office’s comprehensive</span></span> <span><span>quarterly </span></span><span><span>activities report, </span></span><span><span>which highlighted the developments of the five drivers under the SP2028, as well as the dedicated update on the Office’s digital transformation journey through the IT programmes and pipelines.</span></span> <span><span>The Council welcomed the Office’s achievements, including </span></span><span><span>the multifaceted approach to quality, record productivity, comprehensive engagement with users, and the availability of quantitative and qualitative data through KPIs. Regarding digital transformation, the emphasis on lean governance, simplification and humancentric use of AI was also welcomed.</span></span><span><span> Further, the Council also noted the management report of the President of the Boards of Appeal (PBoA) for 2024, including the achievement of the objective of settling 90% of appeals within 30 months, and warmly thanked the Boards of Appeal staff for their excellent results.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="paragraph"><span><span><span><span><span><span>The Council decided to re-elect Mr Josef KRATOCHVÍL as its Chairperson for another term of three years, with effect from 1 January 2025. Furthermore, the Council also took a number of decisions on individual appointments and decided to </span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <ul> <li class="paragraph"> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>elect Stefan HARASEK (AT) as Deputy Chairperson of the Committee on Patent Law; </span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </li> <li class="paragraph"> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>re-appoint Mr Tom FEARNLEY (NO), Ms Hélène DUBOIS (FR) and Ms Margaret FROST (UK) as respectively deputy Chairperson, external member and alternate external member of the Supervisory Board of the Reserve Funds for Pensions and Social Security (RFPSS); </span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </li> <li class="paragraph"> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>re-appoint Ms Valeria FALCE and Mr Eero MANTERE as members of the Appeals Committee. </span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </li> </ul> <p class="paragraph"><span><span><span><span><span><span>The Council also decided on the appointment, reappointment and career progression of members of the Boards of Appeal and of the Enlarged Board of Appeal, based on proposals by the P</span></span><span><span>BoA</span></span><span><span>.&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="paragraph"><span><span><span><span><span><span>Furthermore, the Council decided to take the necessary steps to extend the term of office of a member of the Board of Auditors, Mr. Hannes SCHUH (AT) for a period of 2 years and to take a decision in that regard at its December meeting.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span>The Council unanimously adopted the draft decision inviting Bosnia and Herzegovina to accede to the European Patent Convention. It also authorised the President of the EPO to open negotiations on a validation agreement with the Republic of Djibouti on behalf of the European Patent </span><span>Organisation and to conclude the validation agreement with the Republic of Costa Rica.</span></span></span></span></p> <p class="minutespoint"><span><span><span><span><span><span>With regard to building matters, the Council gave a favourable opinion on the project proposals in The Hague, welcoming&nbsp;</span></span><span><span>the&nbsp;optimisation of office space and energy consumption and the Office’s long term financial sustainability</span></span><span><span>.</span></span> </span></span></span></span></p> <p class="paragraph"><span><span><span><span><span><span>Turning to personnel matters, the Council unanimously adopted the review of the conditions of employment for the Office’s interpreters, welcoming the long-term and cost-effective solution developed by the Office. </span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="SNNormal"><span><span><span><span><span><span>The Council noted the reports from the chairpersons of its various bodies on their recent meetings, namely of the Boards of Appeal Committee and the Committee on Patent Law. In particular, the Council noted the report of the Chairperson of the Committee on Patent Law on its 60th meeting, including the exchange of views on the implementation of the 14th package of EU sanctions against Russia in EPC procedures. </span></span></span><span><span>The Council also noted the presentation by the Office on the possible options for implementing the sanctions and requested the Office to continue the discussions at the November meeting of the Committee on Patent Law. Implementation in the Unitary Patent procedure was addressed by t</span></span><span><span><span>he Chairperson of the Select Committee, reporting on its latest meeting.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="paragraph"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Finally, the Council was updated about the latest Unitary Patent developments by the Office and by the delegation of Hungary – the country holding the Presidency of the EU Council in the second half of 2024 – on its activities.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="paragraph"><span><span><span><span><span><span>Council Secretariat</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <hr> <p class="paragraph"><span><span><span><span><span><span><a id="AC/179" name="AC/179"></a>Munich, 28 June 2024</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <h3 class="paragraph"><span><span><span><span><strong><span><span>179th meeting of the Administrative Council of the European Patent Organisation (Munich, 27 and 28 June 2024</span></span></strong><span><span>)</span></span></span></span></span></span></h3> <p class="paragraph"><span><span><span><span><span><span>The Administrative Council of the European Patent Organisation held its 179th meeting in Munich in a hybrid format on 27 and 28 June 2024 under its Chairperson Josef KRATOCHVÍL (CZ).</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="paragraph"><span><span><span><span><span><span>After the Chairperson's activities report, the Council noted the Office’s comprehensive</span></span><span><span> Annual Review report complemented by a video highlighting the Office’s continued progress over 2023</span></span><span><span>. <span>The main activities and major achievements of 2023 were presented, </span>which included the 50-year celebrations,</span></span><span> the </span><span><span>entry into operations of </span></span><span>the </span><span><span>Unitary Patent system, a review of</span></span><span> the </span><span><span>EPO’s fee policy, and the launch of the Observatory, marking a year defined by quality, inclusivity, co-operation and growth</span></span><span><span>. The Council congratulated the President and the staff on the results and welcomed the focus placed on quality and sustainability.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="paragraph"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>The Office reported on the EPO Staff Survey 2024 results and received a favourable opinion on the lightly adjusted New Ways of Working policy. The Council also adopted the policy on the secondment of national experts (SNEs), </span></span></span><span><span>having noted the report evaluating the two-year SNE pilot project launched in 2022<span>. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="minutespoint"><span><span><span><span><span><span>The Council, as part of the modernisation of the EPO’s external governance proposed by the Chairperson,<em> </em>unanimously<em> </em>adopted a Code of Conduct on the prevention and management of conflicts of interest for the Administrative Council of the European Patent Organisation. In closed session, the Council adopted the decisions laying down the rules for appointing and reappointing, and extending the term of office of the President and Vice-Presidents of the European Patent Office and related amendments to its Rules of Procedure (RoP). The Council also noted the request from Bosnia and Herzegovina to be invited to accede to the EPC. </span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="minutespoint"><span><span><span><span><span><span>The Council further noted the catalogue of co-operation projects under SP2028. </span></span>It also authorised the President to open negotiations on validation agreements with the United Mexican States, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, and the Republic of Panama.&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></p> <p class="paragraph"><span><span><span><span><span><span>Further, the Council decided on the appointment, reappointment and career progression of members of the Boards of Appeal and of the Enlarged Board of Appeal, based on proposals by the President of the Boards of Appeal.&nbsp;It unanimously decided to appoint Mr&nbsp;Alexander&nbsp;PFISTER (CH) as member and to renew the term of office of Mr&nbsp;Colin&nbsp;BIRSS&nbsp;(GB) as external member of the Boards of Appeal Committee.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="paragraph"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Finally, the Council noted the reports from the chairpersons of its various advisory bodies on their recent meetings, namely of the Technical and Operational Support Committee, Supervisory Board of the Reserve Funds for Pensions and Social Security, Budget and Finance Committee and the Select Committee. The Council was updated by the Office on the Unitary Patent, and informed &nbsp;by the delegations of Belgium and Hungary (the countries </span></span>holding the Presidency of the EU Council in 2024, until 30 June&nbsp;<span>and as of 1 July <span>respectively), about the latest developments, progress, and priorities on the Unitary Patent and the EU patent package, notably as regards unitary SPCs.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="paragraph"><span><span><span><span><span><span>Council Secretariat&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <hr> <p><span><a id="SC/31" name="SC/31"></a>Munich, 21 March 2024</span></p> <h3><span><span><span><strong><span><span><span><span>31st meeting of the Select Committee of the Administrative Council held in Munich (21 March 2024)</span></span></span></span></strong></span></span></span></h3> <p><span><span><span><span><span>The Select Committee of the European Patent Organisation held its 31st meeting in Munich on 21 March 2024 under its Chairperson Mr Jérôme DEBRULLE (BE).</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>The Committee firstly noted the update by the Registrar of the Unified Patent Court (UPC), Mr Alexander Ramsay, on the latest UPC developments and its achievements to date. It also welcomed the information on the signing of the Seat agreement by the Italian government with regard to both the local division and the future Central division in Milan. Further, it welcomed the progress being made by Romania and Ireland, with the former soon to join UPC as its 18th member. The Committee then noted BUSINESSEUROPE’s concerns regarding Supplementary Protection Certificates (SPCs).</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>The Office gave an update on the status of the operational and financial aspects of the UP system, highlighting in particular the milestone just achieved, namely the registration of more than 22 000 Unitary Patents. At the time of the meeting, the uptake rate stood at 23.5%, </span>&nbsp;<span><span><span>up from </span></span></span><span><span><span>22.3% during the second semester of</span></span></span><span><span><span> 2023</span></span></span><span>, operations were running smoothly, and financial monitoring indicated that the UPP fee income for 2023 exceeded projections by 36% while costs were as projected. </span><span>The Committee congratulated the Office on the successful implementation of the UPP.</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>Finally, the Committee was provided with a comprehensive update by the Office on the communication and promotional activities carried out since its last meeting, with a particular focus on the upcoming first anniversary of the UPP. The European Commission also gave an update on its ongoing efforts concerning UPP-related communication activities, and was invited to provide regular reports to the Committee. </span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>The Committee noted the state of play presented by the Office on the national measures accompanying the implementation of the UPP and the request by the Office to the member states participating in the UPP to promptly provide any updates on these measures as they become available. Furthermore, the Committee noted epi’s intervention on a technical issue related to the maintenance of the Unitary Patent register, in particular in relation to the address of the applicant on the date of filing, and the Office’s statement that the issue had been solved in the meantime.</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>In closing, the Committee noted that its next meeting would take place in October 2024.</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>Council Secretariat</span></span></span></span></span></p> <hr> <p><span>Munich, 19-20 March 2024</span></p> <h3><span><span><strong><span><span><a id="AC/178" name="AC/178"></a>178th meeting of the Administrative Council of the European Patent Organisation (Munich, 19-20 March 2024)</span></span></strong></span></span></h3> <p><span><span><span>The Administrative Council of the European Patent Organisation held its 178th meeting in Munich in a hybrid format on 19 and 20 March 2024 under its Chairperson Josef KRATOCHVÍL (CZ)</span><span> and its Deputy Chairperson, Borghildur ERLINGSD</span><span><span>Ó</span></span><span>TTIR (IS). </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>The Council was presented with a quarterly report on the Office’s activities, as well as an intermediate report on the New Ways of Working (NWoW) pilot scheme. The Council welcomed the Office’s results, highlighting the unprecedented volume of patent applications, and the achievements of the past months, including the development and improvement of IT tools, the Quality dashboard and Quality Action Plan, the continued active dialogue with users, the patent intelligence services and products, and the long-term sustainability agenda. The Council further welcomed the comprehensive intermediate report on the results achieved since the launch of NWoW in September 2022. Delegations discussed several aspects of the pilot scheme, including the flexibility it provides, the improved work life balance, quality and efficiency of the work undertaken from home, the onboarding of new staff, and the impact on organisational culture. &nbsp;</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>The Council also noted the management report of the President of the Boards of Appeal for 2023 and congratulated the Board’s staff for their excellent results.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Turning to key strategic decisions, the Council unanimously approved the Strategic Plan 2028 and the corresponding Annual Work Plan 2024. The Council praised the renewed strategic vision of SP2028, highlighting financial sustainability, the importance of digital transformation and the integration of AI tools into the patent granting process, the focus on high quality and timely products and services, the co-operation with the NPOs, the proactive focus on partnerships and the corresponding KPIs. </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>As part of the modernisation of the EPO’s external governance proposed by the Chairperson, the Council, meeting in closed session, gave a favourable opinion on a proposal regarding appointment/reappointment procedures for the President and Vice-Presidents and voting on (re)elections, (re)appointments and extensions in secret ballot, and noted that the Chairperson, working with the Board of the Administrative Council, will prepare a consolidated version to be submitted to the Council in June. Furthermore, the Council gave a unanimous favourable opinion on a proposal for a Code of Conduct for the Council. </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Regarding appointments, the Council unanimously decided to:</span></span></span></p> <ul> <li><span><span><span>re-elect Mr Antti RIIVARI&nbsp;(FI) as chairperson of the Committee on Patent Law for a term of office of three years, with effect from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2027, such term of office being renewable;</span></span></span></li> <li><span><span><span>elect Mr&nbsp;Adam&nbsp;WILLIAMS&nbsp;(GB) as member of the Board of the Administrative Council for a term of office of three years, with effect from 20 March 2024 to 19 March 2027, as well as Mr&nbsp;Agris&nbsp;BATALAUSKIS&nbsp;(LV), as member of the Board of the Administrative Council for a term of office of three years, with effect from 27 June 2024 to 26 June 2027, such terms of office being non-renewable;</span></span></span></li> <li><span><span><span>re-appoint Mr Julyan ELBRO&nbsp;(GB) as alternate member of the Boards of Appeal Committee for a term of office of three years, with effect from 23 March 2024 to 22 March 2027, such term of office being renewable or extendable.</span></span></span></li> </ul> <p><span><span><span>The Council also decided on the appointment and re-appointment of members of the Boards of Appeal, based on proposals by the President of the Boards of Appeal.&nbsp;</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>As regards legal and international affairs, the Council:</span></span></span></p> <ul> <li><span><span><span>unanimously approved two recommendations, namely one for a common practice as regards allowable features in drawings and the other for a common practice as regards issuing and accepting electronic priority documents;</span></span></span></li> <li><span><span><span>unanimously authorised the President to conclude a validation agreement between the Lao People's Democratic Republic and the European Patent Organisation, and to open negotiations on a validation agreement with the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. </span></span></span></li> </ul> <p><span><span><span>As regards building matters, the Council noted the information on the new premises of the EPO sub-office in Berlin provided by the Office and by the head of the German delegation, and welcomed the steps announced as regards the completion of that important project within the timeframe foreseen.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Furthermore, the Council noted the reports of the respective Chairpersons of the Committee on Patent Law, and of the Boards of Appeal Committee respectively.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>Finally, an update on Unitary Patent protection was presented by the Office, by the Belgian delegation, Belgium being the country to hold the presidency of the Council of the European Union for the first half of 2024, and by the Chairperson of the Select Committee. </span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></span><span><span><span>Council Secretariat</span></span></span></p></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 class=" bg-main"> <div class="container"> <div class="region region-footer-main row"> <nav role="navigation" aria-labelledby="block-footer-service-support-menu" id="block-footer-service-support" class="col-sm-12 col-md-12 col-lg-4 block block-menu navigation menu--footer---service-support"> <h5 class="visually-hidden" id="block-footer-service-support-menu" data-elastic-exclude="">Footer - Service &amp; support</h5> <ul class="nav navbar-nav"> <li class="nav-item"> <a href="/en/service-support" class="nav-link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323278">Service &amp; support</a> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li class="nav-item"> <a href="/en/service-support/website-updates" class="nav-link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/492238">Website updates</a> </li> <li class="nav-item"> <a href="/en/service-support/availability-online-services" class="nav-link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/492229">Availability of online services</a> </li> <li class="nav-item"> <a href="/en/service-support/faq" class="nav-link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/497878">FAQ</a> </li> <li class="nav-item"> <a href="/en/service-support/publications" class="nav-link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/54316">Publications</a> </li> <li class="nav-item"> <a href="/service-support/procedural-communications" class="nav-link">Procedural communications</a> </li> <li class="nav-item"> <a href="/en/service-support/contact-us" class="nav-link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/323350">Contact us</a> </li> <li class="nav-item"> <a href="/en/service-support/subscription-centre" class="nav-link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/104874">Subscription centre</a> </li> <li class="nav-item"> <a href="/en/service-support/holidays" class="nav-link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447610">Official holidays</a> </li> <li class="nav-item"> <a href="/en/service-support/glossary" class="nav-link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447616">Glossary</a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav> <nav role="navigation" aria-labelledby="block-footer-more-links-menu" id="block-footer-more-links" class="col-sm-12 col-md-12 col-lg-4 block block-menu navigation menu--footer---more-links"> <h5 class="visually-hidden" id="block-footer-more-links-menu" data-elastic-exclude="">Footer - More links</h5> <ul class="nav navbar-nav"> <li class="nav-item"> <a href="https://jobs.epo.org" class="nav-link">Jobs &amp; careers</a> </li> <li class="nav-item"> <a href="/en/news-events/press-centre" class="nav-link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/104359">Press centre</a> </li> <li class="nav-item"> <a href="https://epn.epo.org/" class="nav-link">Single Access Portal</a> </li> <li class="nav-item"> <a href="/en/about-us/tenders" class="nav-link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/494116">Procurement</a> </li> <li class="nav-item"> <a href="/en/case-law-appeals" class="nav-link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/285091">Boards of Appeal</a> </li> </ul> </nav> <div class="views-element-container col-sm-12 col-md-12 col-lg-4 block block-views block-views-blocksocial-media-footer-menu-social-media-footer-menu" id="block-views-block-social-media-footer-menu-social-media-footer-menu-2"> <div> <div class="view view-social-media-footer-menu view-id-social_media_footer_menu view-display-id-social_media_footer_menu js-view-dom-id-d0909e9de4f83984c2ac289b3fb4094a7d9aead057d607450c8b9a35dc2ff18b"> <div class="view-content"> <div><div id="taxonomy-term-65986" class="taxonomy-term vocabulary-social-media-channels"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field--name-field-svg-icon field--type-file field--label-hidden field__item"> <img width="100" height="100" alt="Facebook" title="Facebook" src=/sites/default/files/2024-02/Facebook.svg /> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-link field--type-link field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/europeanpatentoffice">European Patent Office</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/epojobs">EPO Jobs</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div><div id="taxonomy-term-65989" class="taxonomy-term vocabulary-social-media-channels"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field--name-field-svg-icon field--type-file field--label-hidden field__item"> <img width="100" height="100" alt="Instagram" title="Instagram" src=/sites/default/files/2024-02/Instagram.svg /> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-link field--type-link field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/europeanpatentoffice/">EuropeanPatentOffice</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div><div id="taxonomy-term-65992" class="taxonomy-term vocabulary-social-media-channels"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field--name-field-svg-icon field--type-file field--label-hidden field__item"> <img width="100" height="100" alt="Linkedin" title="Linkedin" src=/sites/default/files/2024-02/Linkedin.svg /> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-link field--type-link field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/163722?trk=tyah">European Patent Office</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/groups/4109452/profile">EPO Jobs</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/epo-procurement/">EPO Procurement</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div><div id="taxonomy-term-65995" class="taxonomy-term vocabulary-social-media-channels"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field--name-field-svg-icon field--type-file field--label-hidden field__item"> <img width="100" height="100" alt="X (formerly Twitter)" title="X (formerly Twitter)" src=/sites/default/files/2024-02/X%20%28formerly%20Twitter%29.svg /> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-link field--type-link field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="https://twitter.com/EPOorg">EPOorg</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="https://twitter.com/EPOjobs">EPOjobs</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div><div id="taxonomy-term-65998" class="taxonomy-term vocabulary-social-media-channels"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field--name-field-svg-icon field--type-file field--label-hidden field__item"> <img width="100" height="100" alt="Youtube" title="Youtube" src=/sites/default/files/2024-02/Youtube.svg /> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-link field--type-link field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TheEPO">TheEPO</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class=" bg-secondary"> <div class="container"> <div class="region region-footer-secondary"> <nav role="navigation" aria-labelledby="block-footer-menu" id="block-footer" class="block block-menu navigation menu--footer"> <h5 class="visually-hidden" id="block-footer-menu" data-elastic-exclude="">Footer</h5> <ul class="nav navbar-nav"> <li class="nav-item"> <a href="https://new.epo.org/en/legal-notice" class="nav-link">Legal notice</a> </li> <li class="nav-item"> <a href="https://new.epo.org/en/terms-of-use" class="nav-link">Terms of use</a> </li> <li class="nav-item"> <a href="/en/about-us/office/data-protection-and-privacy" class="nav-link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/447409">Data protection and privacy</a> </li> <li class="nav-item"> <a href="/en/accessibility" class="nav-link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/446611">Accessibility</a> </li> </ul> </nav> </div> </div> </div> </footer> </div> <script type="application/json" data-drupal-selector="drupal-settings-json">{"path":{"baseUrl":"\/","pathPrefix":"en\/","currentPath":"node\/447337","currentPathIsAdmin":false,"isFront":false,"currentLanguage":"en"},"pluralDelimiter":"\u0003","suppressDeprecationErrors":true,"ajaxPageState":{"libraries":"eJyNU1uWmzAM3RCJfrofH4MFUSMsjiU3TVc_NpkSwzCn_TG6DwvZXHo0w-RUBvLs9OYTxcn12UyigtqTC-56EVNLfvkBvVfc4a28_NQLe0O1Vp9Yes-Xk04zqvoJtRvuGMgkOT8MkgJJhK26jkmiYQxv19bCme8V6vIWKQaM1rMMd2jqrrRDiJJmz_QHO1zESZoAHaNPsZ55e6V7kN3cuk3PjL8ooLz0TR6J6zWWWRjfmw5nx-wGkTthecwLk48DwhnpAo4-s3Xsn5KtChLLURSOxL8d1_pJkuf_cM4Sqm9wSmUSbD7HCdf4XmmBI9E4Bp8C7GGrSo4W5NG22LjGR2PyM8KRaB1zCRQccKMnHDFhveGRkNuRDkqzZw3ZHrYq_jbYw1Yl43aeFTf6GiU44J2Oj3pbkhUZvuFXP1MJ_N-iW25iog9aEN7llSJZ99lhkSUvnyGHE67TpxrOr9_dejfjVK465q9ETXfJfB1JYV1rkDLjB4odvG0","theme":"epo_org","theme_token":null},"ajaxTrustedUrl":[],"photoswipe":{"options":{"showAnimationDuration":333,"hideAnimationDuration":333,"bgOpacity":1,"spacing":0.12,"allowPanToNext":true,"loop":true,"pinchToClose":true,"closeOnVerticalDrag":true,"escKey":true,"arrowKeys":true,"errorMsg":"\u003Cdiv class=\u0022pswp__error-msg\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022%url%\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EThe image\u003C\/a\u003E could not be loaded.\u003C\/div\u003E","preload":[1,1],"mainClass":null,"showHideOpacity":false,"maxSpreadZoom":2,"closeOnScroll":true,"mouseUsed":false,"history":true,"focus":true,"modal":true}},"simple_popup_blocks":{"settings":[{"identifier":"block-epo-org-launchpopup","uid":"launch_popup","type":"0","css_selector":"1","layout":"4","visit_counts":"0","overlay":"0","trigger_method":"0","trigger_selector":"#custom-css-id","enable_escape":"1","delay":"0","minimize":"0","close":"1","use_time_frequency":"0","time_frequency":"604800","show_minimized_button":"0","width":"800","cookie_expiry":"100","status":"1","trigger_width":""}]},"eu_cookie_compliance":{"cookie_policy_version":"1.0.0","popup_enabled":true,"popup_agreed_enabled":false,"popup_hide_agreed":false,"popup_clicking_confirmation":false,"popup_scrolling_confirmation":false,"popup_html_info":"\u003Cdiv aria-labelledby=\u0022popup-text\u0022 class=\u0022eu-cookie-compliance-banner eu-cookie-compliance-banner-info eu-cookie-compliance-banner--opt-in\u0022\u003E\n \u003Cdiv class=\u0022popup-content info eu-cookie-compliance-content\u0022\u003E\n \u003Cdiv id=\u0022popup-text\u0022 class=\u0022eu-cookie-compliance-message\u0022 role=\u0022document\u0022\u003E\n \u003Ch2\u003EWe use cookies\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWe use cookies on our website to support technical features that enhance your user experience. We also use analytics.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\n \u003Cbutton type=\u0022button\u0022 class=\u0022find-more-button eu-cookie-compliance-more-button\u0022\u003EAccess full information on cookies that we use \u003C\/button\u003E\n \u003C\/div\u003E\n\n \n \u003Cdiv id=\u0022popup-buttons\u0022 class=\u0022eu-cookie-compliance-buttons\u0022\u003E\n \u003Cbutton type=\u0022button\u0022 class=\u0022agree-button eu-cookie-compliance-secondary-button\u0022\u003EOk\u003C\/button\u003E\n \u003Cbutton type=\u0022button\u0022 class=\u0022decline-button eu-cookie-compliance-default-button\u0022\u003ENo, thanks, use essential cookies only\u003C\/button\u003E\n \u003C\/div\u003E\n \u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E","use_mobile_message":false,"mobile_popup_html_info":"\u003Cdiv aria-labelledby=\u0022popup-text\u0022 class=\u0022eu-cookie-compliance-banner eu-cookie-compliance-banner-info eu-cookie-compliance-banner--opt-in\u0022\u003E\n \u003Cdiv class=\u0022popup-content info eu-cookie-compliance-content\u0022\u003E\n \u003Cdiv id=\u0022popup-text\u0022 class=\u0022eu-cookie-compliance-message\u0022 role=\u0022document\u0022\u003E\n \n \u003Cbutton type=\u0022button\u0022 class=\u0022find-more-button eu-cookie-compliance-more-button\u0022\u003EAccess full information on cookies that we use \u003C\/button\u003E\n \u003C\/div\u003E\n\n \n \u003Cdiv id=\u0022popup-buttons\u0022 class=\u0022eu-cookie-compliance-buttons\u0022\u003E\n \u003Cbutton type=\u0022button\u0022 class=\u0022agree-button eu-cookie-compliance-secondary-button\u0022\u003EOk\u003C\/button\u003E\n \u003Cbutton type=\u0022button\u0022 class=\u0022decline-button eu-cookie-compliance-default-button\u0022\u003ENo, thanks, use essential cookies only\u003C\/button\u003E\n \u003C\/div\u003E\n \u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E","mobile_breakpoint":768,"popup_html_agreed":false,"popup_use_bare_css":false,"popup_height":"auto","popup_width":"100%","popup_delay":1000,"popup_link":"https:\/\/www.epo.org\/about-us\/office\/data-protection-and-privacy.html","popup_link_new_window":true,"popup_position":false,"fixed_top_position":true,"popup_language":"en","store_consent":false,"better_support_for_screen_readers":false,"cookie_name":"","reload_page":false,"domain":"","domain_all_sites":false,"popup_eu_only":false,"popup_eu_only_js":false,"cookie_lifetime":100,"cookie_session":0,"set_cookie_session_zero_on_disagree":0,"disagree_do_not_show_popup":false,"method":"opt_in","automatic_cookies_removal":true,"allowed_cookies":"youtube-cookies-agreed\r\nambassador_xsrf.*\r\nspb_timeblock-epo-org-websitesurveyen\r\nspb_timeblock-epo-org-websitesurveyde\r\nspb_timeblock-epo-org-websitesurveyfr","withdraw_markup":"\u003Cbutton type=\u0022button\u0022 class=\u0022eu-cookie-withdraw-tab\u0022\u003EPrivacy settings\u003C\/button\u003E\n\u003Cdiv aria-labelledby=\u0022popup-text\u0022 class=\u0022eu-cookie-withdraw-banner\u0022\u003E\n \u003Cdiv class=\u0022popup-content info eu-cookie-compliance-content\u0022\u003E\n \u003Cdiv id=\u0022popup-text\u0022 class=\u0022eu-cookie-compliance-message\u0022 role=\u0022document\u0022\u003E\n \u003Ch2\u003EWe use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYou have given your consent for us to set cookies.\u003C\/p\u003E\n \u003C\/div\u003E\n \u003Cdiv id=\u0022popup-buttons\u0022 class=\u0022eu-cookie-compliance-buttons\u0022\u003E\n \u003Cbutton type=\u0022button\u0022 class=\u0022eu-cookie-withdraw-button \u0022\u003EWithdraw consent\u003C\/button\u003E\n \u003C\/div\u003E\n \u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E","withdraw_enabled":false,"reload_options":0,"reload_routes_list":"","withdraw_button_on_info_popup":false,"cookie_categories":[],"cookie_categories_details":[],"enable_save_preferences_button":true,"cookie_value_disagreed":"0","cookie_value_agreed_show_thank_you":"1","cookie_value_agreed":"2","containing_element":"body","settings_tab_enabled":false,"olivero_primary_button_classes":"","olivero_secondary_button_classes":"","close_button_action":"close_banner","open_by_default":true,"modules_allow_popup":true,"hide_the_banner":false,"geoip_match":true},"ckeditorAccordion":{"accordionStyle":{"collapseAll":1,"keepRowsOpen":1,"animateAccordionOpenAndClose":1,"openTabsWithHash":1}},"lc":[],"TBMegaMenu":{"TBElementsCounter":{"column":null},"theme":"epo_org","efb0a583-4ab0-4590-87f4-ecc6ecaabbde":{"arrows":"1"}},"user":{"uid":0,"permissionsHash":"32343d1d088c05edb12d04791ce6e55d74bed18a5bb81bf8f85ae3f885346227"}}</script> <script src="/sites/default/files/js/js_UNGjMSYhQJG02jWaL8Df5E6QwB0EI7fm7thAkiAMiN0.js?scope=footer&amp;delta=0&amp;language=en&amp;theme=epo_org&amp;include=eJyNU9GS2yAM_CEnvNz_MBhkR41ADJKbpl9_4Fwc7Evn-sJIuwujWS3-CgGVix2ZVbS4bNWNYtox-CeJKUDSkdhfTVcP5O68qOeYOVVQzBH4WXEmp1Ac_Ycycmg6bwVjJrDOey4BOZk3WKcbF9Wd6AF0Cu9KMPu2Z3lJGvjWP7FhnQ6n4iKYI9Aropt3gtZ3fIEJCiQPdkKgfqQD091Z17Vvexb-qNm3PYtK_Txr3_G_MQCbQ7_j4dbc4kWAzD_wVU9Yo_MshnxhZblhBvMqz5hQh68XMucl2zVlYt5gg9xFIZrRCQxbdj--9RFEqsc1y1zAJC7REf7dX9nK0y85tTiK9vxMPDo6id4J0zxAZstl_gYvNRN8xRaNOi26uivzDrQBJreQvn7XK8dbdZ4KJ4UUhmalmPVsH2Cp-xlB65exwh4dWbm4Ugf4CnU16zAnWAJXUpOs63sYuNETUnusxoaqS28ubTPZG-rlab-ONsJc052Wh-c90EYA-QTjCrxt"></script> <script src="https://kit.fontawesome.com/42fec296be.js"></script> <script src="/sites/default/files/js/js_dRq7LBvhWEFpgH_JPbScLOaDSZV4VQ5qYuq82_URS1c.js?scope=footer&amp;delta=2&amp;language=en&amp;theme=epo_org&amp;include=eJyNU9GS2yAM_CEnvNz_MBhkR41ADJKbpl9_4Fwc7Evn-sJIuwujWS3-CgGVix2ZVbS4bNWNYtox-CeJKUDSkdhfTVcP5O68qOeYOVVQzBH4WXEmp1Ac_Ycycmg6bwVjJrDOey4BOZk3WKcbF9Wd6AF0Cu9KMPu2Z3lJGvjWP7FhnQ6n4iKYI9Aropt3gtZ3fIEJCiQPdkKgfqQD091Z17Vvexb-qNm3PYtK_Txr3_G_MQCbQ7_j4dbc4kWAzD_wVU9Yo_MshnxhZblhBvMqz5hQh68XMucl2zVlYt5gg9xFIZrRCQxbdj--9RFEqsc1y1zAJC7REf7dX9nK0y85tTiK9vxMPDo6id4J0zxAZstl_gYvNRN8xRaNOi26uivzDrQBJreQvn7XK8dbdZ4KJ4UUhmalmPVsH2Cp-xlB65exwh4dWbm4Ugf4CnU16zAnWAJXUpOs63sYuNETUnusxoaqS28ubTPZG-rlab-ONsJc052Wh-c90EYA-QTjCrxt"></script> <script src="https://unpkg.com/@popperjs/core@2"></script> <script src="https://unpkg.com/tippy.js@6"></script> <script src="/sites/default/files/js/js_7MJpWIDBaAaVIEeglmoBiFTT8Y7hBiO9fx4fEKnASZI.js?scope=footer&amp;delta=5&amp;language=en&amp;theme=epo_org&amp;include=eJyNU9GS2yAM_CEnvNz_MBhkR41ADJKbpl9_4Fwc7Evn-sJIuwujWS3-CgGVix2ZVbS4bNWNYtox-CeJKUDSkdhfTVcP5O68qOeYOVVQzBH4WXEmp1Ac_Ycycmg6bwVjJrDOey4BOZk3WKcbF9Wd6AF0Cu9KMPu2Z3lJGvjWP7FhnQ6n4iKYI9Aropt3gtZ3fIEJCiQPdkKgfqQD091Z17Vvexb-qNm3PYtK_Txr3_G_MQCbQ7_j4dbc4kWAzD_wVU9Yo_MshnxhZblhBvMqz5hQh68XMucl2zVlYt5gg9xFIZrRCQxbdj--9RFEqsc1y1zAJC7REf7dX9nK0y85tTiK9vxMPDo6id4J0zxAZstl_gYvNRN8xRaNOi26uivzDrQBJreQvn7XK8dbdZ4KJ4UUhmalmPVsH2Cp-xlB65exwh4dWbm4Ugf4CnU16zAnWAJXUpOs63sYuNETUnusxoaqS28ubTPZG-rlab-ONsJc052Wh-c90EYA-QTjCrxt"></script> <script src="/modules/contrib/eu_cookie_compliance/js/eu_cookie_compliance.min.js?v=10.2.11" defer></script> <script src="/modules/contrib/ckeditor_accordion/js/accordion.frontend.min.js?snobdf"></script> <script src="/sites/default/files/js/js_blx6NiGUL2_FtqRNba2cBxRsxzotBPiMy71wa5uPJ6s.js?scope=footer&amp;delta=8&amp;language=en&amp;theme=epo_org&amp;include=eJyNU9GS2yAM_CEnvNz_MBhkR41ADJKbpl9_4Fwc7Evn-sJIuwujWS3-CgGVix2ZVbS4bNWNYtox-CeJKUDSkdhfTVcP5O68qOeYOVVQzBH4WXEmp1Ac_Ycycmg6bwVjJrDOey4BOZk3WKcbF9Wd6AF0Cu9KMPu2Z3lJGvjWP7FhnQ6n4iKYI9Aropt3gtZ3fIEJCiQPdkKgfqQD091Z17Vvexb-qNm3PYtK_Txr3_G_MQCbQ7_j4dbc4kWAzD_wVU9Yo_MshnxhZblhBvMqz5hQh68XMucl2zVlYt5gg9xFIZrRCQxbdj--9RFEqsc1y1zAJC7REf7dX9nK0y85tTiK9vxMPDo6id4J0zxAZstl_gYvNRN8xRaNOi26uivzDrQBJreQvn7XK8dbdZ4KJ4UUhmalmPVsH2Cp-xlB65exwh4dWbm4Ugf4CnU16zAnWAJXUpOs63sYuNETUnusxoaqS28ubTPZG-rlab-ONsJc052Wh-c90EYA-QTjCrxt"></script> </body> </html>

Pages： 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10