Results of our public consultation on the EPO’s new Ombuds service

In a recent consultation, EPO
stakeholders submitted their preferences and expectations regarding a new
Ombuds Office service. The public consultation took place during January and
February in the frame of the EPO’s preparations for launching a new informal,
confidential and neutral Ombuds service as part of its commitment to
continuously improve its products and services.

You can find
a summary of the findings below. Many thanks are due to everyone who took the
time to submit their views, feedback and comments.

The input received has shaped the design phase of the new
Ombuds Office service, which is due to launch imminently. The service will provide a confidential, informal
and neutral environment in which stakeholders can discuss and clarify the
details underlying their issue and work out measures to bring stalled processes
back on track.

The services of the Ombuds Office will be available to anyone
who experiences difficulties in
their dealings with the EPO and who has exhausted the regular channels for resolution.
Its service will be complementary to existing
services such as the complaints service and does not address matters that
concern the Boards of Appeal.