Talk innovation: patent professional edition

In recent years the worlds of public research and startups have become more linked than ever, attracting a high share of investment and playing a vital role in European competitiveness.  But this wasn't always the case. In this episode, cancer immunologist and entrepreneur Dr Jérôme Galon sheds light on how researchers have found increasing acceptance and support as they branch into business. ...

How is artificial intelligence changing the way patent professionals search, draft and work with patents? Our expert guests, including patent attorneys, patent searchers and the EPO's Chief Technology Officer, take you on a journey through real-world use cases, ethical consideration and personal experiences with AI in patent practice.  From the practical to the forward-looking, this episode ex...

Standards are the invisible protocols that ensure our devices and services work together seamlessly. But how do they relate to patents? And what does this mean for innovation and competition?    Uncover how the interplay between standards and patents shapes technological progress. This discussion dives into how the Unified Patent Court and the Patent Mediation and Arbitration Centre aim to streaml...

Curious where the latest technology trends are heading?   The EPO's annual Patent Index offers a comprehensive look into these advancements, tracking  technological growth and patenting activity as well as top applicants and countries in the lead.  Join EPO experts as they guide you through 2024’s key insights and explore some of the top fields like computer technology; electrical machinery, a...

This episode delves into the principal challenges facing innovation in Europe, as outlined in Mario Draghi’s prominent report “The future of European competitiveness.”  Listen to gain insight into:  the role patent data plays in understanding innovation trends  which technical fields Europe is lagging behind in compared to its competitors  how the EPO’s high-quality patents and other activities co...

When embarking on your EQE journey, there are quite a few items on your to-do list. From figuring out where to register and the code of conduct to how to use the examination tools, navigating these formal requirements with confidence will help put you on the path towards acing the exam. In the first part of this episode, we’ll speak to an expert to make sure you know everything you need to about t...

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

The European Qualifying Examination is adopting an innovative approach based on flexibility, modularity and progressiveness. So, as a candidate, what does that mean for you? In this episode, an expert breaks down the new structure and discusses how different skills are mapped out across the modules, empowering candidates to build on their knowledge as they progress from papers F to M4 and build on...

Key figures from the intellectual property (IP) community discuss the perceptions of quality and shared effort between the EPO and applicants in driving patent quality.   This episode explores key questions, including why patent quality is essential for businesses and how users can shape it. The conversation covers collaborative tools, legal robustness and ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing cl...

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

EQE 2025: Reformed and ready for the future The EPO is transforming the way patent practitioners are trained and tested. With a redesigned format and new content, the modernised European Qualifying Examination gives candidates the chance to demonstrate their legal knowledge and skills to prepare them for the real-world challenges they’ll face.  In this 4-episode podcast series, published from Sept...

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

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

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

When dealing with disability, is gene therapy an ethical solution? Can technology encourage a more equitable world? Does society truly listen to people with a disability? In this special edition, we’ll meet several authors seeking answers to these complex questions. We’ll hear their creations before learning about the inspiration behind each tale. "Who am I?" by Brian Routledge, "L’...

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

Hear what three of our users have to say about switching to the digital patent granting process with the help of our new generation of online MyEPO services.  Moderated by Richard Garvey, Key Account Manager at the EPO and with the participation of Zhakalazky Carrion, Senior Manager Docketing & Client Records, and Alexis Dagostino, Docketing & Client Records Coordinator both at at Schwegma...

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

Additive manufacturing (AM) is a disruptive technology coming of age. The EPO’s latest study reveals explosion in global patenting activity in 3D printing and other forms of AM, now being deployed in construction, healthcare and transport. Patent filings for AM inventions are increasing at eight times the rate across all technologies, as AM comes out of its niche as a prototyping tool and enters t...

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

Patent professionals: how do you steer clear of unclear terminology, ambiguous descriptions or overly complex claims in your applications? Do you have a strategy to deal with objections? How do you draft a quality application? If these questions have left you feeling stressed, relax! Our expert trio is here to help. Join an EPO examiner and two patent attorneys as they guide you through common pat...

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