14. Juli 2022
The
EPO has developed a new certification: the European patent administration
certification (EPAC). Designed for paralegals, patent administrators and
formalities officers, the EPAC will equip professionals with the knowledge and
skills to manage filing, prosecution, grant and maintenance associated
processes for European and international patent applications before the EPO. Enrolment
begins in September, with the first exam planned on 12 December 2022.
European patent
system users have increasingly suggested the convenience of a certification scheme
for paralegals and administrative staff working in intellectual property rights.
While training and certification opportunities exist in a limited number of countries,
demand at the European level is growing. To address these needs, the EPO developed the EPAC, offering tailor-made training in dedicated
courses and providing a new high-quality certification.
The
examination focuses on procedural aspects under the European Patent Convention
(EPC), the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) and the Paris Convention. It also
covers national laws and other agreements applicable to European patents and
patent applications, including the London Agreement. Candidates will answer
questions on the various patenting routes, application procedures and the
procedural, administrative and formalities-related tasks involved.
With
the EPAC, the EPO has broadened its certification offer, which currently
features the European Qualifying Examination (EQE) for European Patent
Attorneys. For user convenience, the newly-built certification portal and a
dedicated EPAC website provide information on the certification, steps candidates
should take to sit the examination and learning materials.
The
EPO has established a new patent education certification committee. Set up in
the context of the new structures of the European Patent Academy, the EPAC
Board is responsible for designing and marking the papers and comprises representatives
from the EPO and professional associations.