Today sees the publication of the „Learning path for patent
examiners from National Offices“, a unique training resource brought to you by the European Patent
Academy. It comprises a newly created series of 48 booklets for self-learners
and participants in the Academy’s training activities.
Drafted by a team of experienced patent examiners at the
EPO, the „Learning path for patent examiners from National Offices“ has three levels. It
answers the questions of beginners at entry level, of examiners with a certain
amount of working experience at intermediate level, and guides advanced-level
patent examiners towards answering more specific questions with a higher degree
of complexity.
The series covers the general topics of novelty, inventive
step, clarity, unity of invention, sufficiency of disclosure, amendments and
search. It also looks into the details of patenting issues specific to certain
technical fields, such as biotechnology, chemical inventions or
computer-implemented inventions.
Explanations and examples are based on the European Patent
Convention, the Guidelines for Examination in the EPO and selected decisions of
the EPO’s boards of appeal. References are made to the Patent Cooperation
Treaty and its Regulations whenever appropriate.
This publication is for training and information purposes
only. Although it has been prepared with great care, we cannot guarantee that
the information it contains is accurate and up to date; nor is it meant to be understood
as a comprehensive form of study or a source of legal advice.
Further
information:
Learning path for patent examiners from National Offices