EPO - Training Overview - 06 03 12-Final

Training overview 2012
Resources for better interaction with the European patent system
European Patent Academy
Published by European Patent Office Munich Germany www.epo.org Status: February 2012 EPO 2012 Responsible for the content Jean-Michel Zilliox Director European Patent Academy Concept and co-ordination Danielle Vochims European Patent Academy Design EPO Graphic Design Munich Printing Universal
The importance attached by the European Patent Organisation to training was underlined in 2004 with the creation of the European Patent Academy. Since then it has supported the European patent system by providing training to a broad range of target groups, and by working in close collaboration with the key players in specific areas. Exchanging concepts and best practices, for example, raises patent awareness particularly in academia and among business advisers. Training was also singled out in the Co-operation Roadmap adopted by the Administrative Council in December 2011 as one of the pillars of co-operation between the member states of the European Patent Organisation and the EPO. This training is designed to support the transfer of knowledge between the EPO and national patent offices (NPOs), as well as between the NPOs themselves, on all aspects of the European patent granting process, and the related administrative procedures and tools. In other words, training strengthens the European Patent Network (EPN) and fosters interoperability. This new emphasis has led the European Patent Academy to review the training it offers to NPOs. The Academy adheres to the principles of complementarity and subsidiarity, an approach that ensures smooth partnerships and avoids the duplication of work that can so easily tie up scarce resources. The Academy has, for example, launched a significant new initiative aimed at facilitating the integration of NPOs of member states that have recently joined the European Patent Organisation. This takes the form of a package of educational events comprising fundamental and essential training components. At the same time, a new initiative in association with the epi is addressing more specifically the needs of candidates to the European qualifying examination (EQE) from these states. All efforts are also being made to facilitate the translation of EPO and EPN partners' publications and materials. Distance learning in the form of e-learning, virtual classroom training or blended learning continues to grow in importance. Acknowledging this trend, further investment is being made in this area to guarantee that the Academy offers state-of-the-art infrastructure. The Academy operates in partnership with a whole range of stakeholders across the member states in each of the target-group areas, and we are particularly pleased that we are working ever more closely with the Office for the Harmonisation of the Internal Market (OHIM) to serve all users of the IP system in Europe. Making the best possible use of the expertise and resources available implies that the Academy pays great attention to the changing requirements in a changing world. I invite you to turn the following pages to find out how the Academy is giving shape to the sharing of competence, skills and knowledge in 2012.
Benot Battistelli President European Patent Office
The European Patent Academy: who we are and what we do
Richard Flammer
Executive Director of the European Patent Academy
Jean-Michel Zilliox
Director Institutional strengthening
Friederike v. Westernhagen Nol Campling

Management assistant Institutional strengthening Director Patent awareness
Catherine Glaser
Management assistant Patent awareness
Antoine Rty
Unit manager Institutional strengthening
Harald Pichlhfer
Administrator Institutional strengthening
Andrea Urban
Conference & events officer Institutional strengthening
Diana Burton
Christina Sperlich
Katie Tantaro
Armin Zellner
Unit manager Professional representatives
Janika Alzner
Conference & events officer Professional representatives
Marielle Piana
Unit manager Judicial training
Christine Bruyen
Conference & events officer Judicial training
Lydia Bucholtz
Conference & events officer Judicial training
Jeremy Philpott
Unit manager Innovation support
Yasmin Siedsma
Conference & events officer Innovation support
Giovanna Oddo
Unit manager Academia
Diana Portabella Llinares

Conference & events officer Academia
Alejandro Flores-Jimnez Bettina Berger

Unit manager Material Media Technology e-learning support Material Media Technology
Susana Snchez Barrio

Administrative support Material Media Technology
Alexander Rinser
Responsible for logistic matters
Danielle Vochims
Responsible for communication matters
... and liaising with the EPO's search and examination staff (DG 1 Operations)
Marcus Rabe
Examiner Liaison officer, Munich
Guy Patton
Examiner Liaison officer, Munich
Anna Bassanini
Examiner Liaison officer, The Hague
Ronald Haffner
Examiner Liaison officer, Berlin
Contents
Chapter 1 Strengthening co-operation with institutions Chapter 2 Training professional representatives Chapter 3 Training the judiciary Chapter 4 Supporting innovation and IP management Chapter 5 Raising IP awareness in academia Chapter 6 Learning online Chapter 7 Making the most of epo.org/ip-calendar Chapter 8 Building synergies with partners
Chapter 1 Strengthening co-operation with institutions
Co-operation in education and training is key to strengthening the European Patent Network
Chapter 1 Strengthening co-operation with institutions What we do

We provide an extensive range of seminars on all topics of relevance for the successful implementation of the EPO co-operation roadmap 2012-2015. Our training programme is set out in this brochure. For registration details, please see page 67. We focus on the staff training needs of national patent offices, but also support and promote training for employees of governmental institutions and other public sector workers. While priority is given to trainees from the present and future member states of the European Patent Organisation, we also support training for non-member states. We tailor our programme to meet the various participants' educational requirements, from basic training for new EPO member states (offered under the "integration package") through to advanced courses in specialist areas.
Why
Fostering joint initiatives and administering dedicated co-operation programmes between the EPO and the national patent offices (NPOs), it is our policy to identify and implement best training practice. We facilitate the exchange of expertise among the partners, and enable offices to learn from one another and thereby move forward together. Training for staff from national patent offices and related institutions, implemented under the principles of complementarity and subsidiarity, enhances their expertise in existing areas of competence. In particular, training enables knowledge transfer from the EPO to the NPOs on all aspects of the European patent granting process, including the administrative procedures applied and tools used.
How
We rely on the considerable expertise of the EPO staff, which complements the knowhow supplied by the NPOs and/or external consultants. Everyone involved builds working relationships, thereby strengthening the bonds of co operation within the European Patent Network. Contact: academy@epo.org
For updates, please check www.epo.org/ip-calendar

Documentation and classification
Patent classification training: IPC, ECLA, Y classification
Web-based distance learning comprising e-learning modules and virtual classrooms sessions allowing for direct interaction with the lecturers Reference OD04-2012 As of September 2012
Target group
Staff of national patent offices of the EPO member states; PATLIB centres staff
Participants will
get an in-depth knowledge of the IPC and ECLA together with the Y classification and the future CPC system in this self-paced course learn to pre-classify and classify inventions correctly to subclass level partake in several self-study phases in three blocks be offered virtual classroom (VC) sessions at the beginning of the course and at the end of each of the three blocks. In the VC sessions at the end of each block, the topics covered will be summarised and questions will be answered have the opportunity to constantly test their acquired knowledge. Passing a test in each phase (pass mark: 70%), will allow moving on to the next phase receive certificates on the condition that all tests are passed.
Classification to class level: Users will learn how to classify inventions in increasingly complex cases, learning and applying the usual knowledge necessary for (pre-) classification IPC/ECLA/Y classification/CPC and specific characteristics of ECLA/ IPC/Y classification/CPC. In this block, participants will learn to differentiate subject-matter and classify to class level, following classification rules. Classification to subclass level: In this block, participants will get to classify real documents to subclass level. This means that they will deepen and consolidate their knowledge, and now focus on real-life situations. They will also take an in-depth look at tools available from the EPO and WIPO.
Objectives
Content
Participants will work through several self-study phases in each of the three blocks. At the beginning of the course as well as at the end of each block, a virtual classroom (VC) session will be organised. In the VC sessions at the end of each block, the topics dealt with are summarised and questions can be asked. At the end of each phase, participants will have to pass a test (pass mark: 70%) before moving on to the next phase. Basics: Users will get to know the classification process, learn and apply the main concepts (content and structure of patent documents; types of inventions; origin, purpose and basic structure of IPC/ECLA (sections) and of the Y classification and CPC; information sources in patent documentation). The VC session will be a conceptually-oriented wrap-up.
Understand the purpose and sense of classification systems Understand the basic structure of IPC, ECLA, Y classification and the future CPC system (also from a historical perspective) Know how to determine with certainty which classification symbol to apply, depending on the type of invention and technical problem solved Understand the internal structure of the IPC and ECLA section together with that of the Y classification and CPC, and be in a position to make a reasonably quick preclassification Be familiar with tools that can help to (pre)classify an invention and be able to work with them Be familiar with techniques and information sources for consolidating and checking (pre)classification decisions
Prerequisites
Basic skills in search and classification along with a very good command of spoken and written English.
Contact: academy@epo.org

Documentation and classification
Classification practice, focusing on Co-operative Patent Classification
Reference OS41-2012 2 to 4 October 2012 (3 days), EPO The Hague
Target group
Staff of national patent offices of the EPO member states; staff of PATLIB centres
Content
Existing classification systems: IPC, ECLA (structure, functioning, examples, guided exercises) Purpose of the CPC CPC structure Taxonomy/hierarchy Classification rules Sections/navigation Identifying the core of the invention Incorporation of ICO into CPC Tools for consultation of the CPC Introduction to FCRs (examples in selected technical fields) This workshop is an ideal add-on for people taking the distance-learning course OD04-2012 (please see p. 9).
Participants will
become familiar with the structure of the CPC, which will be used to classify patent documents (A and B) by both the EPO and the USPTO as of January 2013 understand the underlying concept and the integration of ECLA and ICO codes into a single structure perform hands-on exercises in one or two groups, depending on whether they are patent searchers (who will actually work with the CPC) or patent classifiers (who will assign CPC codes). The classifiers will be introduced to the Fieldspecific Classification Rules (FCRs) and their methodology in selected technical fields.
Prerequisites
Basic skills in search and classification along with a very good command of spoken and written English. It would be an advantage to have taken the distance-learning course OD042011.
Objectives
Understand the purpose and framework of CPC Know how to determine with certainty which classification symbol to apply, depending on the type of invention and technical problem solved Understand the internal structure of the CPC, and be in a position to make a reasonably quick preclassification Be familiar with techniques and information sources for consolidating and checking (pre-)classification decisions
10

Patent information
EPO Patent Information Beginners Seminar (EPIBS) Patent searching for beginners
Reference PI01-2012 26 to 29 March 2012 (4 days), EPO Vienna and Reference PI03-2012 17 to 20 September 2012 (4 days), EPO Vienna
Patent information
Patent valuation, including use of IPscore
Reference OC03-2012 5 to 7 September 2012 (3 days), SIPO Ljubljana, (SI)
Target group
Staff of national patent offices of the EPO member states; staff of PATLIB centres; interested members of the general public
Target group
Staff of national patent offices of the EPO member states, in particular beneficiaries of the integration package; staff of national patent offices which are not member states of the EPO; interested members of the general public; PATLIB centres; all new and future users of patent information
Participants will
be given the resources to answer the questions put to patent offices and PATLIB centre staff in charge of patent information about patent valuation as part of a companys assets.
Participants will
receive a thorough grounding in patent searching and an introduction to the world of patent information. The first day-and-a-half is a general introduction to the patent system and provides an insight into the benefits of patent information as well as an overview of the basic EPO patent information products have many opportunities to put the acquired knowledge into practice and to speak to trainers and experts.
Objectives
Get a basic knowledge of patent valuation and be better equipped to answer questions on patent valuation.
Content
Patents and accountancy Fiscal rules: fundamentals Guidelines for patent valuation Use of IPscore Practical exercises
Objectives
Participants will be able to understand the EPOs basic patent information products and services and work with them.
Prerequisites
A basic understanding of key innovation and IP management issues along with a very good command of spoken and written English.
Content
Patent grant procedure Patent information products Search basics Espacenet European Patent Register EPO electronic publications Practical exercises
Prerequisites
This seminar has been devised to meet the specific needs of newcomers, so no knowledge of patent searching is required. Participants should have a good command of English.
11

Patent administration and formalities
Formalities at the EPO; treatment of European and international patent applications and European patents
Reference OS05-2012 27 February to 2 March 2012 (5 days), EPO Munich
Target group
Objectives
Participants will gain a thorough understanding of formalities at the EPO as well as a general overview of the EPOs work. They will be able to make connections between the European and PCT systems and their daily work, allowing them to apply their knowledge in the most appropriate way.
Administrative staff of national patent offices of the EPO member states, in particular beneficiaries of the integration package, and non-member states
Participants will
get a thorough insight into the EPOs formal and administrative treatment of European and international patent applications and European patents. Starting with an update on the EPOs structure and organisation, the programme covers formal issues pertaining to the European patent-grant and post-grant procedures and the role of the EPO as an international authority under the PCT visit an EPO formalities and administrative department to look at the practical handling of applications and the work of formalities officers have an opportunity to find out about EPO best practice in patent administration and customer services.
Prerequisites
Some experience of formalities work at a national IP office of one of the EPO member or non-member states, and at least a basic knowledge of the European patent system. A very good command of English is required.
Content
The internal structure of the EPO Overview of the life of a file, from filing to grant and post-grant procedures, before the EPO The EPO acting as a PCT authority in the search and examination phases The administrative processing of applications, with reference to the main tools used The EPOs online services The role of national IP offices in the filing of European patent applications Formalities at all stages of proceedings, including examination, opposition and appeal The day-to-day work of an EPO formalities officer
12

Search and examination
EPOQUE Net searches Entry level
Reference OS06-2012 23 to 27 April 2012 (5 days), EPO The Hague

EPOQUE Net: the art of efficient searching Intermediate level
Reference OD07-2012 From 1 March to 16 December 2012 (ten months) including distance learning and ten virtual classroom sessions
Target group
Staff of national patent offices of the EPO member and non-member states
Target group
Patent examiners at national offices from member and non-member states
Participants will
be introduced to the EPOQUE Net query language and basic commands get an overview of the databases and be introduced to the relevant search concepts and strategies by performing simple searches, learn how to make efficient use of EPOQUE Net in different technical fields and how to apply this knowledge in their daily work.
Content
Systematic introduction to EPOQUE Net EPOQUE Net commands and query language Access to databases and their structure; creation of clusters Full-text search EPO classification system Search concepts and search exercises
Objectives
have access to a web-based distance-learning course starting on 1March 2012 and accessible 24/7 until 16 December 2012 be offered a series of vocational training sessions on the use of EPOQUE Net delivered by means of virtual classroom sessions, in addition to introductory elearning modules. These live sessions will help to broaden the skills of EPOQUENet users at national offices. Experienced EPO examiners will share tips and tricks on efficient use of the EPOs professional patentsearch tool with participants communicate with the experts during the virtual classrooms either by chat or by headsets. These live sessions will provide an opportunity for active discussion of the practical exercises and the solutions thereto be offered additional practical exercises which will be made available and allow for extra practice off-line.
Participants will
Participants will be able to make efficient use of EPOQUE Net when performing searches. They will be confident about using the query language, choosing the appropriate classification and selecting specific databases when combining classification and keyword concepts.
Content
Prerequisites
Between three and 18 months experience in patent searching. Participants should already have used or be about to use EPOQUE Net at their national patent office. They should have a good command of spoken and written English.
Virtual classrooms usually take place every second Wednesday of the month (changes of dates might occur). EPOQUE Net: introduction and getting started (7 March) Important databases in EPOQUE Net, concepts (19 April) Proximity operators and truncation (9 May) Classification (13 June) ICOcodes, keywords, figure search in the VIEWER (11 July) Recap on the basis of a concrete example (8 August) Synonyms, other classification schemes and a few more truncation operations (12September) X-Full, part 1 (10 October) X-Full, part 2 (14 November) Patent families: fami/refi, help (12 December)
13

EPOQUE Net Advanced level
F
Objectives
Participants will gain a good understanding of EPOQUE Net and its databases, query language and preparations, and be able to use EPOQUE Net to perform their search tasks as examiners.
Reference OS08-2012 17 to 21 September 2012 (5 days), EPO The Hague
Target group
Staff of national patent offices of the EPO member and non-member states
Participants will
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of patent search. Access to EPOQUE Net. Experience in the use of EPOQUE Net would be an advantage.
become familiar with advanced EPOQUE Net applications refine their capability to devise search concepts and strategies, making extensive use of the EPOQUE Net tools develop their EPOQUE Net search skills by dealing with practical exercises, covering expert tips and tricks
Content
Review of EPOQUE Net applications in complex search situations Review of different possible cases involving specific decision processes Strategies in structuring and fine-tuning searches; limits of such strategies Hands-on training under the supervision of experienced EPO examiners
Objectives
Participants will get an in-depth knowledge of advanced EPOQUE Net applications. They will be able to build and flexibly adapt their search concepts and strategies so as to enhance the efficiency of their EPOQUE Net searches.
Prerequisites
A minimum of three years experience in search and examination at a national office and sound experience of working with EPOQUE Net. Participants should ideally have completed the EPOs standard EPOQUE Net training. A very good command of spoken and written English is required.
14

How to understand EPO search reports and written opinions Intermediate level
Reference OC09-2011 17 to 19 April 2012 (3 days), EPO Berlin
Target group
Staff of national patent offices of the EPO member and non-member states, staff of PATLIB centres, interested members of the general public
Content
Participants will
learn about the search reports and written opinions issued by the EPO, and be shown how to interpret the information they contain. In particular participants will review the relevant regulations, terms and expressions used in European search reports (EESR) and international search reports (ISR), and look at how to interpret and analyse the search results and findings of written opinions be presented with different scenarios associated with the understanding of written opinions, including special situations such as lack of unity, complex applications, incomplete search and exclusions from patentability, in the technical area of their choice (chemistry, physics-electricity and mechanics) receive some insight into patent intelligence, i.e. into the decision on how to continue the proceedings based on the search report and written opinion acquire hands-on experience in dedicated workshops supported by lectures and exercises have the opportunity to discuss related topics with EPO experts while doing exercises and in plenary sessions.
Review of the ESSR in the grant procedure at the EPO Review of the written opinion (WO-ISA) in the PCT phase Review of the structure and content of search reports Consideration of priority at the search stage Categories of cited documents The structure and legal basis of written opinions The impact of the written opinion in the examination procedure Incomplete search and exclusions Assessment of novelty and inventive step in written opinions Clarity and lack-of-unity objections in written opinions Practical exercises: analysis of search results and findings in written opinions Patent intelligence: understanding the available information; interpreting a search report from a third party; assessing possible amendments of the application after the search report/written opinion has been issued; financial consequences
Prerequisites
Objectives
Basic-to-intermediate skills in dealing with patent literature and an interest in understanding the structure and content of search reports and written opinions. The working language is English.
Participants will review the structure of the search reports and written opinions issued by the EPO. They will acquire a further understanding of the underlying concepts with a view to harmonising grant procedures and of how to make efficient use of the information contained in these documents.
15

Drafting search reports and written opinions Advanced level
Reference OS10-2012 26 to 28 September 2012 (3 days), EPO Berlin
Target group
Staff of national patent offices of the EPO member states
Objectives
Participants will
get an overview of the relevant regulations, terms and expressions used in drafting extended European search reports (EESR) and international search reports (ISR) after a short review of the basics of drafting extended European search reports (EESR) and international search reports (ISR), focus on hands-on case studies. This will give participants a chance to improve their practical knowledge in dedicated exercises and to discuss related topics with EPO experts discuss different complex scenarios associated with the drafting of search reports and written opinions in case studies, including special situations such as lack of unity, complex applications, incomplete search and exclusions from patentability take into account different technical areas (chemistry, physics-electricity and mechanics).
On completion of this seminar participants will be familiar with the various situations of drafting of ISRs and EESRs in practice. They will have practical experience and the skills to draft search reports and written opinions in complex scenarios, including special cases such as lack of unity and incomplete search.
Prerequisites
Participants must have attended the intermediate level course OS10-2011 and/or must have a minimum of four years patent search and examination experience, including the use of EESRs and/or ISRs. A very good command of spoken and written English is required.
Content
Review the basics of drafting an ESSR and ISR Raising the bar at the EPO and amended EPC rules Incomplete search and exclusions Assessment of novelty and inventive step (problem-solution approach) also in the form of hands-on exercises Clarity and lack-of-unity objections also in the form of hands-on exercises How to draft ISRs and EESRs, also in the form of handson exercises Case studies on complex scenarios (e.g. lack of unity, complex applications, incomplete search, exclusions from patentability)
16

Clarity and unity: analysis of patent applications during search Intermediate level
Reference OS11-2012 2 to 4 May 2012 (3 days), EPO Munich

Clarity and unity: analysis of patent applications during search Advanced level
Reference OS12-2012 23 to 25 October 2012 (3 days), EPO Munich
Target group
Staff of national patent offices of the EPO member states and non-member states
Target group
Participants will
Participants will
be trained in clarity and unity issues at the search stage of the European patent-granting procedure, including insufficiency of disclosure get presentations on strategies for dealing with clarity, unity and insufficiency-of-disclosure issues and review the legal background, with an emphasis on practical cases in the fields of electricity, mechanics and chemistry. The harmonisation of practice at national offices and the relevant legal differences will also be considered.
review how to handle European patent applications presenting clarity, unity and insufficiency-of-disclosure issues at the search stage. The course refreshes, deepens and consolidates knowledge of the strategies and legal background to apply when dealing with highly complicated cases involving lack-of-clarity, unity and/or insufficiency-of-disclosure objections. The harmonisation of practice at national offices and the relevant legal differences will also be considered be given an overview of the EPO case law on clarity, unity and/or insufficiency-of-disclosure objections.
Content
Overview of the European patent procedure Strategies for dealing with clarity, unity and insufficiency-of-disclosure issues Possible strategies for drawing up the search report Types of European search reports and written opinions Borderline cases: lack of clarity, unity and/or sufficiency of disclosure, consequences for the applicant Practical cases: examples and hands-on exercises
Content
Objectives
Systematic review of the strategies and legal background for dealing with clarity, unity and insufficiencyof-disclosure issues at the search stage Case studies on strategies for dealing with highly complicated cases Presentation and discussion of participants own settled cases among themselves and with experienced EPO examiners Overview of the EPO case law on clarity, unity and/or sufficiency of disclosure
Participants will gain an insight into the problems associated with clarity, unity and insufficiency-of-disclosure issues in applications at the search stage. They will look at efficient strategies, and gain a basic knowledge of harmonisation of search outcomes.
Objectives
Prerequisites
A minimum of two years search and examination experience along with a very good command of spoken and written English.
Participants will consolidate their knowledge of how to treat clarity, unity and insufficiency-of-disclosure issues at the search stage of European applications, both in terms of strategies and legal background. They will acquire efficient strategies to handle highly complicated cases (and get practice in applying these) and knowledge to train newcomers to their national office.
Prerequisites
A minimum of four years search and examination experience along with a very good command of spoken and written English. Participants will preferably have already attended the corresponding intermediate-level seminar (OS11-2012) or have corresponding level.
17

Novelty and inventive step Entry level
Reference OS13-2012 26 to 30 March 2012 (5 days), EPO Munich
Target group
Objectives
Participants will
be given the basic skills of assessing novelty and inventive step in patent applications after an overview of the different types of prior art, receive lectures on novelty, including feature analysis of the claims and prior art, priority and intermediatedocument issues, and proof of prior-art publication dates, as well as availability to the public have further lectures on inventive step, including the problem-solution approach developed by the EPO as a systematic analytical method for assessing inventive step. The lectures will be supplemented by practical case studies and exercises which will provide participants with basic hands-on experience have the opportunity to discuss the cases and related topics with EPO experts during the practical exercises as well as in plenary sessions.
Participants will be able to perform feature analyses of simple sets of claims and compare the claimed subjectmatter with the prior art, understand the different types of prior-art documents and electronic disclosures available, including the use of documents retrieved from the internet. Participants will have a basic understanding of the criteria used in the determination of novelty and inventive step, and will be able to apply the principles of inventive-step assessment using the problem-solution approach.
Prerequisites
Between three and 18 months experience in patent examination along with a very good command of spoken and written English.
Content
Novelty: analysis of a simple set of claims and prior art Different types of prior art Different types of electronic document, such as disclosures on the internet Inventive step: the problem-solution approach A first approach to special cases like partial problems, alternative solutions, implicit features or non-essential/ technical features Other indications of inventive step Practical exercises related to assessment of novelty and inventive step The seminar takes account of different technical areas (chemistry, physics-electricity and mechanics).
18

Novelty and inventive step Intermediate level
Reference OS14-2012 18 to 22 June 2012 (5 days), EPO Munich
Target group
Objectives
Participants will
improve their skills in assessing novelty and inventive step get a brief review of the basics of novelty and inventive-step assessment, including feature analysis of the claims and the prior art, priority and intermediatedocument issues, and the problem-solution approach have lectures on special cases related to novelty and inventive step, such as partial problems, alternative solutions, implicit features, selection inventions and juxtaposition/aggregation of features. The lectures will be supplemented by practical case studies and exercises which will provide the participants with enhanced hands-on experience in the assessment of novelty and inventive step. The exercises will focus on the application of the problem-solution approach have the opportunity to discuss the cases and related topics with EPO experts while doing exercises as well as in the plenary sessions.
Participants will have a good understanding of the criteria used in the determination of novelty and inventive step, and will be confident in applying the problemsolution approach for the assessment of inventive step. They will also be able to deal with special cases related to novelty and inventive step.
Prerequisites
Participants must have attended the entry level seminar OS13-2012 (please see page. 18), and/or have a minimum of two years patent-examination experience. A very good command of spoken and written English is required.
Content
Review of novelty-assessment criteria Review of inventive-step assessment, including the problem-solution approach Review of types of prior art and the use thereof Special cases, such as partial problems, alternative solutions, implicit features, selection inventions, and juxtaposition/aggregation of features Other indications of inventive step Comparison between national and EPO case law Practical exercises related to assessment of novelty and inventive step, including special cases. The seminar takes account of different technical areas (chemistry, physics-electricity and mechanics)
19

Novelty and inventive step Advanced level
Reference OS15-2012 3 to 7 September 2012 (5 days), EPO Munich
Target group
Objectives
Participants will
review the procedures for assessing novelty and inventive step, including special cases such as partial problems, alternative solutions, implicit features, selection inventions, and juxtaposition/aggregation of features. Detail study will be made of related EPO case law focus on hands-on case studies. Related exercises will improve their practical skills and knowledge. Different complex scenarios associated with the assessment of novelty and inventive step will be discussed, including the above-mentioned special cases have the opportunity to discuss related topics with EPO experts.
Participants will be familiar with the theory and practice of novelty and inventive step assessment. They will have practical experience and the skills to make efficient use of the criteria for the determination of novelty and inventive step, and will be confident in applying the problem-solution approach for the assessment of inventive step. They also will be in excellent command of related EPO case law, and will be confident in dealing with special cases such as partial problems, alternative solutions, implicit features, selection inventions, and juxtaposition/aggregation of features.
Prerequisites
Content
Review of novelty and inventive-step assessment criteria Review of special cases, such as partial problems, alternative solutions, implicit features, selection inventions, and juxtaposition/aggregation of features Related EPO case law Practical high level exercises related to assessment of novelty and inventive step in complex scenarios, including special cases In-depth discussion of topics related to novelty and inventive-step assessment with EPO experts The seminar takes account of different technical areas (chemistry, physics-electricity and mechanics).
Participants must have attended the intermediate level seminar OS14-2012, and/or have a minimum of four years patent examination experience. A very good command of spoken and written English is required.
20

Computer-implemented inventions: classification, search and examination practice Intermediate level
Reference OS16-2012 6 to 10 February 2012 (5 days), EPO The Hague
Target group
Objectives
Participants will
be given practical guidance on developing successful search and examination strategies for computerimplemented inventions (CII) get an overview of the classification used in the field of computers and especially CII through focussing on search concepts and strategies to be applied by patent examiners in their prior-art searches when using search tools, in particular EPOQUE Net, and on examination practice in CII. Emphasis will be placed on hands-on case studies dealing with patentability exclusions, assessment of novelty, inventive step, clarity, unity and sufficiency of disclosure. Procedural aspects such as amendments and communications with the applicant will also be addressed have the opportunity to find out about EPO best practice and case law while working with experienced EPO tutors on practical case studies.
Participants will be familiar with the particularities of CII and the relevant EPO case law. They will learn how to search using the most appropriate tools and search strategies and gain a better understanding of the criteria applied for assessing novelty and inventive step in the field of CII. They will also gain an overview of classification in the field of computers and related CII.
Prerequisites
Participants must have at least two years professional experience in patent search and examination at a national patent office in the field of computers or in CII-related fields. Excellent skills in the EPOQUE Net command language are necessary. A good command of spoken and written English is also required.
Content
Classification in the field of computers and especially CII Search concepts and strategies related to CII Relevant EPOQUENet databases, commands, operators, preparations Use of internet publications as prior art Exclusions from patentability in the field of CII Technical versus non-technical subject-matter Assessment of novelty and inventive step in the field of CII Clarity and specific wording in the field of CII EPO case law and practice with respect to CII Hands-on case studies and analysis/discussion of results Discussion of CII-related topics with EPO tutors/ experts
21

Recherche und Sachprfung
Computer-implementierte Erfindungen: Klassifizierungs -, Recherche- und Sach prfungspraxis Fortgeschrittene
Referenz OS17-2012 15. bis 19. Oktober 2012 (5 Tage), EPA Mnchen
Zielgruppe
Mitarbeiter der nationalen mter der EPA-Mitgliedsstaaten
Lernziele
Erwerb von sehr guten Kenntnissen ber die Praxis bezglich Klassifizierung, Recherche und Sachprfung im Bereich der Computer-implementierten Erfindungen. Die Teilnehmer werden die Klassifikation und die Rechtsprechung des EPA bei Computer-implementierten Erfindungen kennen. Sie werden in der Lage sein, geeignete Recherchenstrategien auszuwhlen und anzuwenden, und werden ein sehr gutes Verstndnis der Kriterien zur Beurteilung der Zulssigkeit, Neuheit und erfinderischen Ttigkeit bei Computer-implementierten Erfindungen haben. Die Teilnehmer werden die im Seminar erworbenen theoretischen und praktischen Kenntnisse bei ihrer tglichen Arbeit sicher anwenden knnen.
Die Teilnehmer werden
ein Training erhalten hinsichtlich der Konzeption und Anwendung erfolgreicher Strategien fr Recherche und Sachprfung im Bereich der Computer-implementierten Erfindungen einen berblick bekommen ber die Klassifikation und Klassifizierungspraxis im Bereich der Computer und Computer-implementierten Erfindungen. Im Verlauf des Seminars werden sowohl Recherchenkonzepte und -strategien bei der Verwendung von EPOQUE Net als auch die Praxis der Sachprfung bei Computerimplementierten Erfindungen vorgestellt. Besonders komplexe Flle hinsichtlich Ausnahmen von der Patentierbarkeit, Neuheit und erfinderischer Ttigkeit, sowie Klarheit, Einheitlichkeit und ausreichender Offenbarung der Erfindung werden diskutiert eine Zusammenfassung der EPA-Rechtsprechung im Bereich der Computer-implementierten Erfindungen, sowie eine Erluterung der Verbindungen dieser Rechtsprechung zur Praxis in der Sachprfung erhalten. Besonderes Gewicht wird auf praktische bungen gelegt, bei denen praktische Beispiele komplexer Szenarien im Bereich der Computer-implementierten Erfindungen bearbeitet und besprochen werden ausfhrlich Gelegenheit haben, bei der Bearbeitung der praktischen Beispiele mit erfahrenen EPA-Tutoren zu diskutieren, und somit die best practice des EPA im Bereich der Computer-implementierten Erfindungen kennen zu lernen.
Inhalt
bersicht ber die Klassifikation im Bereich Computer und Computer-implementierter Erfindungen Konzepte und Strategien fr Recherchen bei Computerimplementierten Erfindungen Komplexe Flle, insbesondere Ausnahmen von der Patentierbarkeit bei Computer-implementierten Erfindungen Kriterien zur Beurteilung von Neuheit und erfinderischer Ttigkeit im Bereich der Computer-implementierten Erfindungen EPA-Rechtsprechung und Praxis bezglich Computerimplementierter Erfindungen Praktische Beispiele zu komplexen Szenarien zum Bearbeiten in der Gruppe, mit anschlieender Analyse und Diskussion der Ergebnisse Besprechung von auf Computer-implementierte Erfindungen bezogenen Themen mit EPA-Tutoren/Experten
Voraussetzungen
Teilnehmer mssen mindestens 4 Jahre Erfahrung in Recherche und Sachprfung an einem nationalen Amt im Bereich der Computer oder in auf Computer-implementierte Erfindungen bezogene Fachbereiche haben. Darber hinaus sind gute Kenntnisse in der Verwendung von EPOQUE Net erwnscht, ebenso wie gute Kenntnisse der deutschen Sprache.
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Recherche et examen
Pharmacie et biotechnologie: classification, recherche et examen
Rfrence OS18-2012 3 to 6 September 2012 (4 jours), OEB La Haye
Groupe cible
Les fonctionnaires et employs des offices nationaux des Etats Membres de lOEB et des Etats non-membres.
Objectifs
Les participants se familiariseront avec des particularits ainsi quavec la jurisprudence et la pratique de lOEB dans les domaines techniques de la pharmacie et de la biotechnologie. Ils sauront comment effectuer une recherche et un examen quant au fond de faon plus efficace dans ces domaines, en particulier en utilisant EPOQUE Net. Il seront mieux mme dvaluer la nouveaut ainsi que lactivit inventive dans les domaines techniques de la pharmacie et de la biotechnologie. Ils gagneront une vue densemble de la classification dans ces domaines.
Dmarche
Ce sminaire fournit un guide pratique des stratgies appropries pour la recherche et lexamen quant au fond dans les domaines techniques de la pharmacie et de la biotechnologie. Il procure galement une vue densemble de la classification utilise dans ces domaines. Le sminaire se concentre sur les concepts et les stratgies de recherche mettre en place lors de lutilisation doutils de recherche, en particulier EPOQUE Net, et sur la pratique de lexamen quant au fond. Laccent est mis sur des tudes de cas pratiques dvaluation de nouveaut, activit inventive, clart, unit, et suffisance de la divulgation. Les participants ont cette occasion lopportunit de dcouvrir la pratique et la jurisprudence de lOEB sur ces domaines techniques en changeant avec des examinateurs expriments de lOEB. Les aspects de procdure tels que les modifications et les communications avec le demandeur sont aussi couverts.
Prrequis
Un minimum de 18 mois dexprience professionnelle en recherche et examen dans un office national des brevets avec des connaissances de base du langage et des commandes dEPOQUE Net. Une bonne matrise du franais est ncessaire, la fois loral et lcrit.
Contenu
Classification IPC/ECLA en pharmacie et biotechnologie Outils et stratgies de recherche en pharmacie et biotechnologie Bases de donnes, commandes, oprateurs et prparations pertinentes dEPOQUE Net Bases de donnes non-brevet en pharmacie et biotechnologie Evaluation de la nouveaut et de lactivit inventive Particularits des domaines techniques de la pharmacie et de la biotechnologie, comme par exemple les revendications du type Markush, deuxime utilisation mdicale, ou exclusions de la brevetabilit Clart, unit et suffisance de la divulgation en pharmacie et biotechnologie Jurisprudence de lOEB Exercices pratiques, tudes de cas et discussions avec des examinateurs expriments
23

Patent procedure and application tools: EESR practice at the EPO Continuation
Reference OD09-2012 10 October 2011 to 3 March 2012, distance-learning course
Target group
Staff of national patent offices of the EPO member states; staff of search authorities such as NPOs or International Search Authorities (ISAs)
Objectives
Participants will
take part in virtual classroom (VC) training sessions learn about the extended European search report (EESR), i.e. the search report and the accompanying search opinion issued by the European Patent Office (EPO) for a European patent application under the European Patent Convention (EPC). If appropriate, reference will be made to the international search report and the written opinion issued by an International Search Authority (ISA) under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). (National patent applications may be subject to different legal requirements, so the search reports and/ or search opinions relating thereto have a different scope and content.) broaden their skills in drawing up a search report and the accompanying search opinion. The training will be mainly based on realistic cases, covering the entire process of writing a search report and search opinion receive feedback step by step. The level of complexity will increase with each case. In addition to five e-learning modules, VC sessions will allow for direct interaction with expert tutors from the EPO.
Participants will be able to issue a search report indicating the documents which can be taken into consideration draw up the accompanying search opinion on whether the application and the invention to which it relates seem to meet the requirements of the applicable patent convention (EPC).
Prerequisites
Ability to read, understand and analyse a patent application (e.g. claims, drawings, scope for which protection is sought) Understanding of the basic requirements for patentability, such as novelty and inventive step Understanding of the basic requirements for a patent application, such as clarity and unity of invention.
Content

Purpose and scope of a European search report Stages of a European patent application Stages of an international application Extended European Search Report (EESR) Structure and content of search report and search opinion (ESOP, WO-ISA) Evaluating a search report and written opinion Practical exercises with a focus on clarity, novelty, inventive step and unity of invention
24

IP management
IP pre-diagnosis, an external view Follow-up seminar
Reference OS21-2012 17 to 19 April 2012 (3 days), Lille, France
IP management
New tasks for pilot PATLIB centres (project participants, phase 3)
Reference OS22-2012 10 to 14 September 2012 (5 days), EPO Vienna
Target group
Staff of national patent offices of the EPO member states (IP pre-diagnosis experts). Restricted to countries taking part in the EPOs co-operation project.
Target group
Training for PATLIB pilot-project participants; PATLIB centres and staff of national patent offices of the EPO member states.
Participants will
learn more about working in networks outsourcing pre-diagnosis, and how to follow up with pre-diagnosed companies get several external views and approaches on the IP pre-diagnosis programme
Participants will
Content
take part in the third phase of a comprehensive training programme on innovative services that the staff of PATLIB centres can offer in the context of an EPO cooperation project. This phase will focus on operating a PATLIB centre in a business context. Experts will look at communication, promotion and marketing issues in lectures and practical exercises.
IP pre-diagnosis is a tool used to assess the IP needs of SMEs, particularly their needs in relation to patents. This pre-diagnosis is carried out by NPO staff or NPO consultants. Points addressed will be: Working in networks Outsourcing pre-diagnosis ISO certification of IP pre-diagnosis Follow-up of pre-diagnosis Link with IP4inno and IPscore Sharing of best practice, pitfalls and success stories
Content
Business-plan creation Promotion strategy Marketing Quality management Networking Strategic co-operation with stakeholders Outlook with regard to e-learning programme
Objectives
Objectives
Participants will be able to assess the advantages of working in networks and to determine how to optimise a follow-up programme for pre-diagnosed companies. They will share best practice in terms of results obtained so far and will be able to link the pre-diagnosis with IP4inno and IPscore tools.
The participants will be able to develop a sustainable business model, and to establish and use appropriate channels for communicating new services. They will also be capable of designing and implementing appropriate marketing strategies and promotion measures to attract potential clients and maintain successful customer relations.
Prerequisites
Prerequisites
The PATLIB centre must be nominated by the respective NPO to take part in the pilot project.
A good knowledge of IP pre-diagnosis along with a very good command of spoken and written English.
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IP management
Training for PATLIB centres, phase 2
Reference OD22-2012 16 January to 7 September 2012, distance learning
Legal and procedural issues

The EPO An inside view, including the European patent system from filing to grant
Reference OS20-2012 24 to 27 April 2012 (4 days), EPO Munich
Target group
Staff of PATLIB centres; staff of the national patent offices of the EPO member states.
Target group
Participants will
Staff of national patent offices of the EPO member states, in particular beneficiaries of the integration package
acquire new skills, and consolidate and broaden existing know-how by means of elearning modules and regular virtual-classroom sessions be able to advise their clients more comprehensively do tutored exercises as well as practical hands-on sessions that will be conducted by experienced PATLIB and EPO experts.
Participants will
Content
get an idea of the patenting process as a whole, from search and examination to opposition and appeals, through tools and techniques to IP management and legal aspects look at the big picture as well as at the main issues associated with each step visit the EPO premises and get an introduction to the EPOs services.
Global Patent Index IPscore Regular virtual-classroom sessions on ip4inno material Trade mark and design search IP audit Business and marketing strategies Case-study development Participants will continue to have access to all documentation and have a forum at their disposal for the exchange of information and experiences with trainees and tutors.
Content
Filing a European patent application: minimum requirements The procedure at the EPO Practical examples
Objectives
Participants will gain a good understanding and knowledge of the legal and practical aspects of the patenting process for European applications.
Objectives
Prerequisites
Know how to use GPI, IPscore and the European Patent Register efficiently Be able to use additional ip4inno material Be familiar with business and marketing strategies Develop case studies for use in outreach activities
Sufficient knowledge of the patent system along with a very good command of spoken and written English.
Prerequisites
Participants must be employed by a PATLIB centre within the territory of the European Patent Organisation, or alternatively, be a staff member and/or nominated by a national IP office of an EPO member state.
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Opposition procedure at the EPO
Reference OD19-2012 21 May to 25 June 2012 (5 weeks), distance-learning course

EPO boards of appeal and key decisions: a review by internal and external experts
Reference OC02-2012 8 to 9 November 2012 (2 days), EPO Munich
Target group
Target group
Participants will
be provided with comprehensive information on the opposition procedure at the EPO have access to an e-learning module that can be followed at their convenience and used for reference after the training course have virtual classroom (VC) sessions to get a deeper understanding of the concepts provided by way of examples and practical cases. These sessions will also provide an opportunity for Q&A and direct exchange between participants and EPO experts.
Staff of national patent offices of the EPO member states, in particular beneficiaries of the integration package; patent practitioners; judges; interested members of the general public; PATLIB centres
Participants will
get a presentation of the activities of the EPO boards of appeal, their structure and functions, and a review of some key decisions linked to practice-related topics.
Content
Content
Purpose of the opposition procedure Opposition procedure as dealt with at first instance Opposition as an inter partes procedure Who is entitled to file an opposition? Substantial basis for the opposition: grounds Time period for filing: up to nine months after grant Question of admissibility Who is who in the procedure (division and parties)? Right to be heard Oral proceedings at opposition Patent maintained, revoked or amended Effect on European patent; possible stay of court procedures at national level Apportionment of costs
Objectives
Get a clear overview of the procedure Know the fundamentals of filing an opposition Be in a position to inform clients about the justification of an opposition and the main questions to consider when filing one Be in a position to inform clients about the main consequences of the outcome of the procedure at European and at national level
The appeal procedure and the boards of appeal How to access decisions and legal information from the boards of appeal Presentation of recent developments in EPO case law by members of the boards of appeal, with contributions from patent attorneys and judges EPO case law in relation to, for example: Exceptions from patentability Sufficiency of disclosure Industrial applicability Novelty Inventive step Added subject-matter, including the inescapable trap Art. 123(2)(3) EPC Disclaimers Technical field-related case law Computer-implemented inventions Biotechnology Procedure for petition for review under Art. 112a EPC Impact of the decisions of the boards of appeal on patent practice
Objectives
Participants will become familiar with the appeal procedure and the related functioning of the boards of appeal, and will be aware of recent developments in EPO case law on practice-related topics.
Prerequisites
Prerequisites
A minimum of two years search and examination experience along with a very good command of spoken and written English. Contact: academy@epo.org
Participants must have at least four years experience in the field of patents. The working language is English.
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Tools and practices of IP offices
EPN workshop on co-operative tools and services for e-learning
Reference OS24-2012 10 to 11 May 2012 (2 days), Madrid
Tools and practices of IP offices

IP for government officials and public decision-makers
Reference OS26-2011 4 to 6 July 2012 (3 days), Luxembourg, joint seminar with OHIM, co-organised with the Luxembourg Trademark and Patent Office
Target group
Staff of national patent offices of the EPO member states, including IT staff, and PATLIB centres; OHIM staff
Target group
Participants will
Staff of national patent offices of the EPO member states; governmental officials; public decision makers
define a common framework for future e-learning developments review issues like the technical platform, tools and the standards for exchanging materials.
Participants will
Content
Summary of activities on e-learning at NPOs and the EPO Overview of OHIM initiatives Infrastructure: Moodle platform and authoring tools Pedagogy in e-learning: end-user involvement in the definition of materials Structuring of e-learning content towards a common repository
be given a broad overview of industrial property (IP) issues, looking at the economic impact of IP on national economies, topical issues, IP policies, cases illustrating the various means of IP protection as well as the issue of technology transfer.
Content
Objectives
Get a clear understanding of the possibilities of e-learning in IP matters at European level and be able to apply this knowledge to the development of own and common elearning projects.
Prerequisites
Role of European institutions Introduction to IP legislation and the issue of IP marketing Patents, innovation and economic implications, financial value of patents Trade marks, industrial designs and utility model protection Licensing and technology transfer Access to IP information; use of IP information in the national interest Technology transfer and IP for countries in transition to a market economy IP as a strategic tool
A very good command of spoken and written English.
Objectives
Gain an overview of the basics of IP protection, and the European patent system in particular Achieve a better understanding of how to foster national patent-related IP infrastructure and how important IP is for the citizens of a given country Get an insight into topical issues
Prerequisites
Sufficient command of English to follow the presentations.
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Tools and practices for IP offices
External corporate communication for IP offices: patents and society
Reference OS39-2012 27 to 29 November 2012 (3 days), Brussels, joint seminar with OHIM, co-organised with the Belgian Patent Office
Target group
Staff of national patent offices of the EPO member states, in particular beneficiaries of the integration package
Objectives
Participants will
Participants will be able to help non-experts understand better the effects that patents have on our world. They will also be able to answer questions on the theme of patents and society at conferences or in interviews.
learn how to communicate their knowledge of IP to various target groups, especially local SMEs and target groups with little or no knowledge of IP, focusing on two aspects: 1. learning how to handle debates on IP, patents, and their effects, using selected rhetoric and arguments. 2. gaining effective and persuasive communication skills for different target groups with different professional backgrounds. This entails building a personal relationship with the group, which can be done by tailoring the information, the knowledge and the way it is delivered to the groups.
Prerequisites
Content
IP is becoming an increasingly important tool for enterprises, and awareness of patents has risen among the general population. However, there is still some residual bias as regards patents and the economy, patents and wealth creation, patents and medicine, and patents and national resources. This seminar aims to enable national office staff and public servants to respond to questions about these issues. Patents and IP: the right arguments Patents: a positive contract between a country and its innovators Effects on the economy Effects on technical development: facts and figures Patents and biotechnology: patents on life? Patents and IT Soft skills: issues and practical exercises Goal-oriented communication Managing nervousness and body-language control Building a rapport with the audience Knowing the audience Tailoring the message
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Quality and ISO certification of patent office procedures
Reference OS40-2012 9 to 11 October 2012 (3 days), Lisbon

Patent documentation standards and tools for data exchange
Reference OS34-2012 11 to 13 June 2011 (3 days), EPO The Hague
Target group
Target group
Participants will
Staff of national offices of EPO member states, in particular beneficiaries of the integration package, and non-member states
gain a structured insight into the following issues: quality as an essential requirement for NPOs the certification of NPO activities in selected EPO member states using ISO and other standards: the results attained and the methods used.
Participants will
Content
Quality; quality measurement Quality and client satisfaction ISO standards and quality ISO-certified processes in NPOs Sharing of best practice, pitfalls and opportunities
learn that tools for the exchange of patent information have a huge impact on the quality and completeness of data. be given detailed information on data exchange standards, and learn how to select and apply the appropriate one(s) get a practice-oriented review of existing IT tools
Content
Objectives
Participants will be familiar with the principles of quality certification, the best methods for certifying the processes in their respective office and how to apply these methods.
IT standards, links with existing IT tools for data exchange in the field of patent documentation Standard exchange formats, quality issues, processing and correction of exchanged images Preparing bibliographic and full-text data for data exchange Hands-on exercises
Prerequisites
Objectives
Participants will be able to apply the appropriate standards, and know how to select and use them in the most appropriate way when dealing with the related IT tools.
Prerequisites
At least a reasonable knowledge of patents and IT exchange standards along with a very good command of spoken and written English.
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Administration of Article 39 EPC renewal fees (post-grant)
Reference OS35-2012 7 to 8 May 2012 (2 days), EPO Vienna
Target group
Staff of the national patent offices of the EPO member states, in particular beneficiaries of the integration package
Objectives
Participants will
Participants will understand how to interact with the EPO to fulfil a contracting states obligations under the EPC with respect to Article 39 renewal fees (post-grant). They will also be made aware of the latest documentation.
learn in detail which renewal fee and lapse information to send to the EPO get a practice-oriented overview of the administrative workflow, with the necessary background to understand the implications of post-grant procedures.
Prerequisites
Content
This seminar is specifically designed to meet the needs of staff of national offices of states that have recently joined the European Patent Organisation. It equally serves as comprehensive training for staff members who have recently taken up this responsibility at their respective national office, or simply as a refresher. The seminar will explain what data is exchanged between the EPO and the member states: the bibliographic data of published European patents (exchanged weekly) the format for sending fee payment and lapse information to the EPO the evaluation reports sent by the EPO to member state offices It will include a review of Article 39 EPC and its legal implications as well as hands-on exercises.
The seminar will be held in English. Simultaneous interpreting will be provided into French and German. Participants should be working in the renewal fee section or IT section of a national office of an EPO member state familiar with the EPO document EPO post grant data-exchange format for MS available from postgrant@epo.org familiar with Microsoft Excel
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Patent information on climate-change mitigation technology CCMT (Y02)
Reference OS37-2012 22 to 25 October 2012 (3 days), EPO Vienna

Searching patent documents with Global Patent Index (GPI)
Reference OS38-2012 27 to 29 February 2012 (3 days), EPO Vienna
Target group
Researchers; analysts; climate-change officials and negotiators; UN agencies; experts from the IP offices of the EPO member states and other countries
Target group
Staff of national offices of EPO member and non-member states; current or future users of Global Patent Index (GPI)
Participants will
Participants will
be introduced to the data produced for the UNFCCC community (strategic goal of the climate-change project) and its potential use The establishment by the EPO of a technology information platform for CCMT (Y02) has created awareness among groups that do not belong to the traditional clients of patent information services receive tutored hands-on exercises enabling them to put the acquired knowledge into practice immediately.
get a comprehensive overview of patent information products offered by the EPO become familiar with GPI functionalities and gain a thorough insight into efficient GPI use get tutored hands-on sessions to put the acquired know-how into practice straight away.
Content
Content
The EPOs interest in CCMT Using Espacenet, European Patent Register, Global Patent Index Using PATSTAT for statistical analysis How to identify core inventions; using citations in patent documents
Patent Information services for experts Global Patent Index (GPI): basic functions, queries and interfaces to other products Practical exercises including special features GPI provides worldwide bibliographic data and abstracts. It allows users to perform professional patent searches and provides for sophisticated search functionalities. It also has direct interfaces to other EPO patent information products, with a view to completing the information obtained via GPI.
Objectives
Participants will understand the Y02 tagging system and be able to retrieve the tagged data in Espacenet, the European Patent Register, and the Global Patent Index. They will also gain an insight into the use of PATSTAT and be able to access and interpret statistical analyses performed therewith.
Objectives
acquire a thorough understanding of GPI and its features know how to make the best use of the various functionalities and parameters acquire the skills necessary to perform meaningful searches, including the use of special features
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of the patent system along with a good command of English.
Prerequisites
A minimum of three years experience of patent searching, including searching by classification codes. A good understanding of the patent system is needed to understand the context of patent information products in general. A very good command of spoken and written English.
32

Planned: Patent terminology language training
The language of patents
Under the EPO's Co-operation Roadmap, it is intended to help persons interacting with the patent system but not having English, French or German as their mother tongue to master the "language of patents". This training, designed to complement the general language tuition offered locally, will be provided in the three official languages of the EPO. It is aimed primarily at staff of national patent offices of EPO member states and potential EQE candidates. The Academy intends to produce a series of educational materials on topics such as legal terminology, the patent granting process and related formalities, IP business, IP management, licensing, technology transfer and terminology used by bodies of the European Patent Organisation, and to make these materials available to those delivering the training. Different tuition format are currently under consideration. In the process of devising this training, the Academy intends to draw on the experience and know-how of the NPOs, the EPO's in-house Language Service and well-known locally represented language course providers. Further information will be provided in due course.
33
34
Chapter 2 Training professional representatives
The skills and competence of European patent attorneys are a cornerstone of the European patent system
35
Chapter 2 Training professional representatives What we do

We co-ordinate and support training activities for distinct but interconnected target groups: candidates preparing for the European qualifying examination (EQE), and both new and experienced professional representatives before the EPO as well as their support staff. It is intended to issue a thoroughly revised EQE Study Guide (third edition) in 2012.
Why
Well-trained professional representatives before the EPO (European patent attorneys) are required to ensure that the patent prosecution process at the EPO is efficient throughout. Preparing these patent professionals to pass the European qualifying examination and supporting their further vocational training is our main objective.
How
We organise courses for patent professionals at all levels and develop training materials for guided self-study and blended e-learning courses. We design and implement most of our activities with our external partners, in particular the epi (European Patent Institute). Contact: profrep@epo.org www.eqe-online.org
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European qualifying examination (EQE) training
Introduction to the EQE Organised in co-operation with the epi
Reference PS02-2012 15 May 2012 (1 day), Oslo (NO)

7th meeting of EQE tutors with the EQE committees
Reference PX11-2012 19 to 20 September 2012 (2 days), Berlin (tbc)
Target group
European patent attorney trainees at the beginning of their professional career, as well as patent department/ firm managers having no personal EQE experience
Target group
Tutors who are active in preparing candidates for the European qualifying examination or the pre-examination 2013
Participants will
get a general understanding of what is tested in each of the different examination papers learn about the knowledge and skills required to be successful get a basic understanding of what the examination committees expect in a correct answer.
Participants will
benefit from the unique direct contact with people in charge of preparing the examination papers and marking candidates' answers have direct contact with members of the examination committees after the pre-examination is held for the first time in 2012.
Content
The European qualifying examination provides a major hurdle for patent attorney trainees who want to enter the profession. A consistently low pass rate at the exam in general, in particular in countries having no real tradition of a qualifying examination for the profession of a patent attorney, highlights the need to create more awareness of the complexity of the examinations and the structured preparation necessary in order to pass. Recent changes to the regulations will have an effect on the examination from 2012 onwards; these will be commented on as well. This seminar raises awareness of what is tested in each of the different examination papers, and the knowledge and skills you are required to have to pass. The concepts behind the different papers will be explained and an insight into the critical factors and information on how to structure preparation for each paper of the EQE will be provided. A basic understanding of what the examination committees expect in a correct answer will be conveyed.
Content
This annual meeting has been organised by the European Patent Academy since 2006. It allows for an exchange of views and information about the most recent examination. It provides an excellent opportunity for tutors to learn more about where and how to put particular emphasis when training candidates for the EQE. Tutors will also receive basic pedagogical training to ensure that knowledge is effectively transferred from tutor to candidate (please see page 39 "How to teach patent law").
Prerequisites
Participants need to be active in the preparation of EQE candidates.
Prerequisites
None
37

A learning platform offers continuous direct support for candidates preparing for the European qualifying examination and pre-examination (EQE) comprising a variety of training and support tools such as a moderated online discussion forum an EQE wiki-type encyclopedia page for EQE-related articles many online exercises relating to the EQE or guiding candidates through their own preparation period documentation on how to answer previous examination papers e-mail based training on various EQE topics an online training course for the pre-examination.
Vocational training study visits

Study visits are arranged at various periods throughout the year, mainly for candidates preparing for the European qualifying examination, trainees in patent attorney law firms or in industry, and other interested groups. Visits usually last two to three days. The content of each visit can be adapted to the individual needs and wishes of the visiting group. They often include presentations about the EPO and the organisation, the work of an EPO examiner, an explanation of the various procedural phases before the EPO and other legal aspects related to the EPO's activities. Usually, visitors also attend oral proceedings in either opposition or appeal, and some visits include simulations of oral proceedings after thorough preparation of the participants. Study visits can be arranged upon request by e-mail to profrep@epo.org
Find out more: www.eqe-online.org
38

Workshop Learning how to teach patent law
Reference PW22-2012 tba (2 days), EPO Munich (DE)
Public seminar Examination Matters 2012

Reference PS05-2012 11 to 12 October 2012 (2 days), EPO Munich (DE)
Target group
The course is tailor-made for tutors of EQE candidates
Target group
Participants will
Patent attorneys active in the prosecution of European patent applications before the EPO
work through different scenarios to learn how to adapt a learning session to the audience's level save time when preparing a training session structure and conduct an interactive learning session react to frustration and conflict in the classroom identify their strengths and weaknesses as an instructor.
Participants will
Content
get an insight into an EPO's examiner's daily work and way of thinking discuss essential aspects of their own daily work with EPO examiners share first-hand experience of major patent-prosecution issues at the EPO expand their professional network.
The training is precisely aligned with real EQE-classroom situations to make it as relevant as possible. After a short standard introduction, the course will develop in line with participants' progress. This participant-centred way of working will allow us to cover more personallyrelevant content and exercises, and will provide an opportunity to give instant feedback.
Content
Participants will spend most of their time in workshops where experienced EPO examiners guide them through a particular examination-related topic. When registering, participants are invited to indicate their choice of topics (up to six from over twenty). Online registration will begin in May 2012 (www.epo.org/ examination-matters).
Objectives
Instructors for EQE candidates have to be able to present complex European patent law in a meaningful and relevant manner. Equally they should be able to support candidates under stress. This workshop will help them to make learning in their classrooms a pleasurable experience. A variety of exercise scenarios will help professional trainers learn how to clarify complex examination-related legal content as well as learn how to work interactively with a group of learners.
Prerequisites
Participants should be familiar with the patent grant and post-grant procedure before the EPO and have experience in representing clients before the EPO.
Prerequisites
Participants should be involved in the preparation of candidates for the European qualifying examination.
39

Vocational training
Oral proceedings (workshop)
Reference PW01-2012 tba (2 days), Bucharest (RO)
Vocational training
Oral proceedings at the EPO (workshop)
Reference PW18-2012 to PW20-2012 and PW23-2012 tba (2 days), EPO Munich (DE)
Target group
Professional representatives seeking to improve their practical experience of representing before the EPO.
Target group
Participants will
Professional representatives seeking to get more practical experience of representing before the EPO. Candidates to the EQE will not be admitted
go through the process of drafting a set of claims for a European patent application, preparing a notice of opposition as well as preparing for and simulating oral proceedings before the EPO. take part actively in the drafting of a set of claims as well as in a simulation of oral proceedings during the workshop. The simulation will be targeted to allow participants to experience a variety of events which can arise during oral proceedings also in roles which are unusual for them, such as within a division in 'real time'.
Participants will
get an overview of general and specific aspects particular to opposition proceedings before the EPO, as well as an overview of case law relating to the same take part actively in a simulation of oral proceedings The simulation will be targeted to allow participants to experience a variety of events which can arise during oral proceedings also in roles which are unusual for them, such as within a division in 'real time' receive a collection of board of appeal decisions on various aspects of oral proceedings.
Content
The workshop will in particular highlight how problems which may occur at a later stage of the proceedings before the EPO can be avoided by careful and anticipatory claim drafting. Specific points made during the simulations will be related to assessing appropriate reactions to situations occurring during oral proceedings, such as dealing with various requests, as well as what to do, or rather what not to do, during oral proceedings. Appropriate reactions to situations occurring during oral proceedings will be assessed.
Content
The focus of the workshop is on procedural matters The specific points made will be related to assessing appropriate reactions to situations occurring during oral proceedings, such as hearing of witnesses and handling requests for apportionment of costs in opposition proceedings, as well as what to do, or rather what not to do, during oral proceedings Overview of opposition proceedings Case law related to opposition proceedings Assessment of appropriate reactions to situations occurring during oral proceedings
Prerequisites
Participants should be familiar with the patent granting process, and have experience in filing and prosecuting applications before the EPO.
Objectives
To gain an improved understanding of oral proceedings before the EPO.
Prerequisites
Basic experience in oral proceedings. Participants will receive comprehensive documentation for the simulation cases in advance. Preparation for the simulation of oral proceedings requires up to one working day.
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Vocational training
EPO in-house training Praktika Intern 2012 For more information: Please see EPO OJ 11/2011, page 594. Module 1
3.09. 21.09.2012, EPO Berlin 11.06. 29.06.2012, EPO The Hague 18.06. 6.07.2012, EPO Munich The three modules which make up the programme are designed for participants with different levels of knowledge and experience. They are free-standing, and applicants will be selected irrespective of their previous participation in any of the other modules.
Module 2
8.10. 26.10.2012, EPO Munich 24.09. 12.10.2012, EPO The Hague
Prerequisites
Module 3
Dates will be arranged in agreement with the technical boards of appeals, EPO Munich
Target groups
European patent attorneys working in private practice or industry as well as candidates for the European qualifying examination (EQE) with suitable experience, depending on the module they wish to apply for.
Applicants must be nationals of an EPC contracting state, and their residence or place of business must also be in such a country A good knowledge of at least one EPO official language and a basic knowledge of the other two The number of places on the programme each year is limited. Preference is given to candidates whose mother tongue is not an EPO official language.
Content
Module 1 Initial training During mostly classroom sessions, participants will be introduced to the patent grant and post-grant procedure before the EPO. Preference will be given to applicants from countries which have acceded to the European Patent Convention more recently. Module 2 Working with an examiner Participants will spend three weeks in DirectorateGeneral 1 (search, examination and opposition) working on actual case files under the supervision of an examiner who will also explain how DG 1 works and how to use its electronic tools. Module 3 Learning about the procedure before the boards of appeal Participants will be assigned to a technical board of appeal in Directorate-General 3 in Munich. They may also be able to attend oral proceedings in appeal.
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Training for support staff
Training for formalities experts is not harmonised within the EPC contracting states. A number of seminars are organised each year, aimed at participants having different levels of experience. The seminars are held in English or German. When possible, the Academy also supplies EPO staff to events organised by other training providers.
Basic seminar The EPO and the European patent grant procedure
Reference PW07-2012 26 to 27 April (2 days), EPO The Hague (English) Reference PW08-2012 28 to 29 June (2 days), EPO Munich (German)
Advanced seminar The European patent grant and post-grant procedures and the EPO as PCT receiving Office
Reference PW09-2012 18 to 19 October (2 days), EPO The Hague (English) Reference PW10-2012 22 to 23 November (2 days), EPO Munich (English)
Target group
Support staff/formalities officers in patent law firms and the industrial sector
Target group
Support staff/formalities officers in patent law firms and the industrial sector
Participants will
have the opportunity to meet formalities officers at their workplace and discuss examples of best practice and efficient co-operation listen to an examiner talking about his/her work at the EPO take part in a question & answer session on the EPOs Online Services
Participants will
get an update on recent procedural changes learn about the organisation of oral proceedings get a chance to visit an oral proceedings room get an overview of post-grant procedures learn about client data registration at the EPO.
Content
Content
This seminar has been designed to introduce patentattorney support staff to the work of the EPO and the administrative and formal aspects of the European patent grant procedure. It includes aspects of the Receiving Section procedure, an overview of how a standard file is prosecuted during examination proceedings and a look at recent legal and procedural changes.
Prerequisites
At least one years experience of filing European applications
This seminar has been designed to provide patent-attorney support staff with in-depth information on specific aspects of the patent grant and post-grant procedures. Presentations cover topics ranging from the post-grant procedures of opposition and limitation to petitions for review by the Enlarged Board of Appeal, and include recent legal and procedural changes and a comprehensive overview of proceedings before the EPO as a PCT receiving Office. Presentations from support departments within the EPO will give participants an enhanced understanding of a wide range of topics which may prove useful particularly when it comes to handling exceptions.
Prerequisites
At least three to four years experience of filing European and international applications
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Chapter 3 Training the judiciary
The judiciary plays a key role in the functioning of the European patent system. IP rights, and of course patents, are worthless if they cannot be adequately enforced
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Chapter 3 Training the judiciary What we do

We bring together legal expertise in IP, in particular patents, from all over Europe, drawing on the skills and experience of judges, public prosecutors, court experts, lawyers and patent attorneys practising before the national courts, as well as other law enforcement officials working in the field of intellectual property. Our aim is to promote harmonised jurisprudence in the contracting states of the European Patent Convention (EPC) by working to create a sound knowledge of patent litigation amongst the judiciary.
Why
In many countries the relatively small number of patent cases, the rotation of judges between different areas of law and the absence of specialist patent courts mean that high levels of judicial expertise in patent matters can be hard to find. Sometimes a patent case lands on a judges desk, but she or he has never heard a patent case before. To complicate matters, the patent in question may be being litigated at the same time in other countries. Although we, the EPO, serve as the granting authority for a European patent, there is no common jurisdiction to enforce the patents. This often results in parallel litigation in different countries on the same patent and differing decisions handed down by national judges.
How
We support and develop training initiatives aimed at harmonising patent enforcement and litigation practice in Europe. We co-ordinate training in patent-related intellectual property law and practice for the judiciary, offering a variety of activities ranging from regional patent enforcement and litigation seminars to study visits to the EPO. The creation of platforms for the exchange of best practices and ideas will enable judges to benchmark their experience against that of their colleagues from other countries. This knowledge exchange is a key element in promoting the harmonised application of patent law throughout the EPC contracting states. Contact: judicialtraining@epo.org
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Chapter 3 Training the judiciary

Study visits to the EPO
Reference JV01-2012 17 to 19 April 2012 (3 days), EPO Munich (DE) Expected number of participants: 10 and Reference JV02-2012 Tentatively November (3 days), EPO Munich (DE) Expected number of participants: 10
Content
Introduction to the patent system and the current state of litigation in Europe; patentability requirements and practical workshop; issues related to patent infringement; defences and procedural issues
Objectives
Target group
Judges
Participants will learn about issues arising in patent infringement and litigation proceedings and get practical experience through the mock trial.
Participants will
have the opportunity to visit the EPO Munich and its Boards of Appeal.
Prerequisites
Content
Judges sitting in courts competent to deal with patent cases. Depending on the level announced for the seminar of workshop, participants may have to demonstrate a certain amount of experience in hearing patent cases.
The European patent system; patentability requirements of European patents; effects of the European patent and the European patent application; the boards of appeal structure, procedures and jurisprudence; attendance at appeal proceedings legal and procedural analysis of the case
Internships for national judges at the EPO boards of appeal

Target group
Qualified and practising national judges, nationals of and resident in the EPC contracting states.
Objectives
To gain a full understanding and overview of the patenting process from filing to grant.
Programme
Prerequisites
Judges sitting in courts competent to deal with patent cases.
Seminars / workshops
IP training for national judges
Patent litigation and procedures Maximum number of participants: 35; Level: introductory Reference JS03-2012 Tentatively June 2012 (3 days), (MK) and Reference JS04-2012 Tentatively November 2012 (3 days), (PL)
The internship programme will be for a duration of one month. Judicial interns will attend a one-week intensive training course on patentability requirements and the procedures of the boards of appeal. This will be followed by a three-week shadowing of a technical board of appeal and will involve reading all the case files, attending and observing the case during the oral proceedings and discussing the case and the final decisions with the board.
Requirements
Priority will be given to applicants who work in courts which are competent to deal with patent cases.
Language
Target groups
Judges; patent attorneys practising before national courts (limited number)
The main language of the internship programme will be in English, so a good command of the English language is essential.
Participants will
learn about patent infringement and litigation proceedings and participate in a mock trial
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Chapter 4 Supporting innovation and IP management
Training brings understanding of the links between good patent practice and business success
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Chapter 4 Supporting innovation and IP management What we do

The mission of the EPO is to support innovation, competitiveness and growth across Europe. One way to do this is to explain the link between good patent practice and business success. Our training is designed to show managers, designers, engineers and scientists how to use patent information and patent strategy to optimise their research and grow their enterprises. The best way to reach such a diverse audience is through workshops and seminars targeted at those who advise and support entrepreneurs, start-ups and innovative SMEs. These intermediaries then become multipliers of applied IP knowledge. The programmes extend beyond private consultancies and state-funded business advice services. The target group for our training services includes all the potential sources of advice to which a business might turn: for example, chambers of commerce, technology transfer professionals, patent information centres, licence brokers, lawyers and financial service providers.
Why
The patent system is regarded by many in the business world as (i) costly and (ii) a matter only for lawyers. Yet the best players in innovation know that patents are a business asset, underpinning their developments, securing markets, generating revenue and facilitating technology partnerships. To enable European businesses to realise their full innovation potential the perception of patents and their benefits needs to be transformed: training is the way to achieve this.
How
We promote and support IP management teaching activities across Europe, running seminars of our own and assisting at many more organised by third parties. We provide expert speakers on a wide variety of patent-related topics, such as patent information, patent portfolio management, IP valuation, licensing and enforcement. We have led on the expansion of ip4inno, a train-the-trainers project with over sixty teaching hours of material on IP strategies for business advisers. Contact: innosup@epo.org
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Public seminar
Search Matters 2012
Reference IC03-2012 19 to 20 March 2012, EPO The Hague (NL)
ip4inno workshops
Target group
Industry, business consultants and advisers, technology transfer offices
Target group
Participants will
Professional patent searchers from industry
Participants will
exchange strategic insights and share best practice with examiners be offered an option to follow the seminar via webcast of the lectures and six workshops for those unable to attend the seminar in person
learn about the full range of IP basics, using patent information and other IP databases for competitive advantage and commercial intelligence; licensing; valuation and financing; enforcement and dispute resolution; case studies and problem exercises.
Learning objectives
Objectives
Equip business advisors and other intermediaries (e.g. technology transfer officers) with an understanding of intellectual property issues as they impact SMEs and new businesses.
get unrivalled access to the know-how of EPO examiners in a variety of technical fields learn about the latest developments in patent classification, search tools and databases, search strategies and state of the art in particular technological fields, such as telecommunications, biotechnology and climate change mitigation
Prerequisites
Attendees should be working in a business support role and have the means to pass on to others, especially SMEs, what they have learned.
Content
Reference IW06-2012 25 to 26 April 2012, Vienna (AT)
Eight lectures in patent classification, search tools and databases 24 workshops (out of which six can chosen) presented by highly skilled examiners and other experts
Content
Prerequisites
At least two years experience. The working language of the seminar is English.
Module 1C Registered IP in business This short module reviews the most common registered rights: patents, utility modules, trade marks and designs, placing them in a business context. This module is condensed from modules 1A and 1B which examine these IP rights in greater detail. (90 minutes) Module 2C Unregistered and "soft" IP in business This short module reviews the most common unregistered rights: copyright, database rights, unregistered trade marks and designs, as well as introducing "soft" IP like know-how, trade secrets and "first mover advantage". All are explained in a business context. This module is condensed from modules 2A and 2B which examine these less familiar IP rights in greater detail. (90 minutes)
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Module 4B Business planning around IP IP cannot be an afterthought when growing a business it must be planned and integrated into any plans, to ensure it has purpose and value. This module will illustrate how different innovative businesses rely upon different IP rights. It will also discuss the preparation of a business plan and the role IP plays. (180 minutes) Module 3A Patent information for business decision-making Using patent information for business decision-making: how to interpret the information returned in a search so as to take a business in a new direction. Avoid infringing the rights of others, whilst mapping neighbouring technologies and finding potential partners, suppliers and customers. (180 minutes) Module 4D IP valuation and IP financing An introduction to IP valuation: the different methods and tools which are suitable for valuing "intangibles". This will then be followed with IP financing: how to use IP to raise the vital funds required to develop an innovation and bring it profitably to market. (180 minutes) Reference IW07-2012 8 to 9 May 2012 (2 days), The Hague (NL)
Espacenet which contains almost 70 million documents. The functions of the database search engine will be explained, as well as how to make sense of the wealth of information which patents contain. (180 minutes) Module 3C Practical sessions with Espacenet Building on the previous session, this three hour practical "hands-on" workshop will give participants the chance to put search techniques and strategies into practice, under the guidance of an experienced EPO patent search trainer. Feel free to bring along your own problems, and see how far you can get! (180 minutes) Reference IW08-2012 16 to 17 October (2 days), Berlin (DE)
Content
Content
Module 2A Copyright An introduction to copyright, related rights and database rights. These forms of unregistered rights are ubiquitous but often misunderstood and hence difficult to quantify and exploit. Despite this, some 6-8% of a country's GDP comes from their "Creative Industries" (film, TV, music, publishing etc) many of whom are SMEs so there is enormous wealth vested in copyrighted materials. This module will help you develop simple but effective strategies for success with copyright. (180 minutes) Module 2B "Soft" IP Beyond registered IP like patents, designs and trade marks, and beyond globally recognised unregistered IP like copyright, there is a third class of valuable creative and intellectual material known as 'soft' IP. Trade secrets, know-how and confidential information can all be critical to a business's market position, but need to be protected in different ways. This module will explain the importance of looking after these most universal intangible assets. The module includes two problem exercises. (180 minutes) Module 4A IP commercialisation This provides an overview of the key issues in getting an invention to market using IP. Licensing, financing and valuing IP will all be discussed, as well as the tricky topic of "marketing innovation" - how to convince investors and customers that your innovation is a winner. This module concerns topics covered in greater depth in modules 4C (The Hague) and 4D (Vienna). (180 minutes)
Module 4C IP licensing An introduction to IP licenses: why and what can be licensed; negotiations; due diligence; common features of a license; types of licence and terms; and royalties. (180 minutes) Module 4E Open innovation The complexity of today's technologies often requires expertise from several different companies (and universities) working in harmony. This is the core of open innovation, where contributions from many sources are coordinated into a successful project. Managing the expectations, motivations and demands of different players requires very special skills - this module explores the issues! (180 minutes) Module 3B How to search patent information An introduction to the EPO's free patent database
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ip4inno
"tasters" from the IP commercialisation modules Online training: virtual classroom
Each of the following one-hour interactive webcasts introduce one topic from the twenty-one ip4inno modules specifically designed to understanding intellectual property (IP) issues as they impact SMEs and new businesses.
Module 5A Introduction to IP enforcement Exclusive rights like IP must come with a credible threat of enforcement if they are to be respected. The different civil and criminal sanctions for patents, trade marks and copyright are the least harmonised area of IP law in Europe. This module clarifies the key differences and suggests business strategies for keeping costs in proportion to any dispute. Such topics as counterfeiting, piracy and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) will all be discussed. (180 minutes) Reference IW09-2012 26 to 27 November 2012 (2 days), Munich
Target group
Content
Industry, business consultants and advisors, Technology transfer officers (TTOs) and other intermediaries
Module 1A Patents and utility models A detailed look at patents and their close cousins utility models. The criteria for patentability (what can and cannot be patented) will be explained. The various application options will be described as well as their consequences for a business. (180 minutes) Module 1B Registered trade marks and designs A detailed look at registered trade marks and designs which can be of crucial significance to distinguish services and products in the market. The criteria under which these rights may be registered, and the role they can play in supporting a business model will be discussed. Module 4F IP deals in China Prepared by experts from the China IPR SME Helpdesk, this module looks at the issues facing European businesses as they venture into this huge market. The module will focus on technology transfer across borders and cultures, and give some insights into the rapidly developing IP and enforcement regime in China. (180 minutes) Module 5C (and support exercise from 5B) Enforcement and ADR for patent disputes An overview of the options available when disputes break out over patents - entitlement, opposition, validity, infringement and licensing. This will include discussion of litigation, and some often unpublicised alternatives like mediation and arbitration which can be quicker, cheaper, confidential and preserve business relationships. (90 + 90 minutes)
Selling the message: how to convince SMEs that IP matters

Reference IV20-2012 20 February 2012, 14.00 hrs CET
Content
An excerpt from ip4inno Module 6B How to make IP strategy relevant and attractive to new and small businesses. By simply modifying the way information is packaged we can change the perception of IP from being a cost and a risk to being a source of income, opportunity and security.
Business strategies for enforcing patents

Reference IV21-2012 27 February 2012 14.00 hrs CET
Content
An excerpt from ip4inno Module 5C, comparing litigation with other cost-effective alternatives which could resolve a dispute.
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Patent Information
Patent intelligence: tapping the economic potential of patent information Intermediate level
Reference PI05-2012 21 to 23 May 2012 (3 days), EPO Vienna (AT) A preparatory online session will take place approximately two weeks before. Invitation and details to follow
F
IP in the ICT sector
Reference IV22-2012 5 March 2012, 14.00 hrs CET
Content
An excerpt from ip4inno Module 6A explaining the peculiarities of "patents for software" and comparing this form of protection with copyright. The exclusion in European patent law against protection for software is often misunderstood. Whilst software itself is protected by copyright, inventions which rely upon computers can be protected by patents. Indeed, a great many of the applications received and granted by the EPO are for so-called "computer-implemented inventions" across a broad range of technical fields.
Target group
IP authorities, patent offices, civil servants, customs officials, Industry, Industry researchers, IP lawyers, judges and public prosecutors, patent attorneys, patent information professionals, public sector and university researchers, SMEs and start-ups, students and faculty, patent libraries, policy makers, business consultants and advisors, investors, interested public, technology transfer officers, patent attorney support staff
Participants will Biotechnology patents

Reference IV23-2012 12 March 2012, 14.00 hrs CET
Content
An excerpt from ip4inno Module 6A explaining the European Patent Office's policies for what can be patented and what not. Patents for life is an emotive topic - the subject of fierce debate and ethical concerns for over a decade. This area of patent law, more than any other, is subject to caveats, provisos and prohibitions regarding what can be patented. Technologies using proteins, enzymes, genes and stem cells stand to benefit mankind with new medical treatments, but the public, law-makers and patent offices nevertheless insist on strict limits to patent exclusivity.
In part one be introduced to general aspects of patent analytics. How may EPO patent databases be used to perform patent statistics and to visualise the results with widely available software tools? receive detailed explanation on EPO tools such as the PATSTAT database and the EPO patent information expert services allowing basic visualisation of patent data. In part two be presented with commercial patent statistics and patent mapping tools, get a demonstration on how publicly available EPO data can be processed study cases and discussion on how patent intelligence can support technology management in companies. Decision making in public institutions will also be discussed.
Content
The transformation of patent data into technical, business and legal knowledge can significantly help companies to analyse the competitive landscape and to uncover new technological trends. It is becoming ever more a key element in developing the companys business and patent strategy.
Objectives
Understand that patent intelligence is essentially based on patent statistics and the visualisation of patent information.
Prerequisites
A good command of spoken and written English. Knowledge of the patent system is required and knowledge of databases and SQL is recommended. 54 For updates, please check www.epo.org/ip-calendar

Patent Information
Patent portfolio management with IPscore Intermediate level
Reference PI02-2012 5 to 6 September 2012 (2 days), EPO Vienna (AT)
Patent Information
EPO Patent Information Advanced Seminar (EPIAS) Patent searching for advanced users
Reference PI04-2012 15 to 18 October 2012 (4 days), EPO Vienna (AT)
Target group
IP authorities, patent offices, civil servants, customs officials, Industry, Industry researchers, IP lawyers, judges and public prosecutors, patent attorneys, patent information professionals, public sector and university researchers, SMEs and start-ups, students and faculty, patent libraries, policy makers, business consultants and advisors, investors, interested public, technology transfer officers, patent attorney support staff
Target group
IP authorities, patent offices, civil servants, customs officials, industry, industry researchers, IP lawyers, judges and public prosecutors, patent attorneys, patent information professionals, public sector and university researchers, SMEs and start-ups, students and faculty, patent libraries, policy makers, business consultants and advisors, investors, interested public, technology transfer officers, patent attorney support staff
Participants will
receive lectures, demonstrations train and discuss both the qualitative approach used in IP management and the monetary approach used in finance in realistic exercises. learn what the value of patents is, how it can be evaluated and documented with IPscore, and how this can be used for systematic portfolio management and other important tasks.
Participants will
have practical application of the acquired knowledge speak to trainers and experts on various areas of patent information
Content
Topics include advanced patent information products, including specialised areas such as patent data from Asia and business use of patent information.
Content
Knowledge and abilities to guide qualitative (strategic) and monetary patent valuation in SMEs with IPscore and to advise in this matter.
Objectives
Objectives
EPIAS is aimed at participants of intermediate and advanced levels as well as those who have already completed one of our EPO Patent Information Beginners Seminars (EPIBS). It will build up on the EPIBS.
Consultants to SMEs will be able to successfully use IPscore. They will also know how patent valuation is performed in general.
Prerequisites
Prerequisites
Attendance of the 'EPO Patent Information Beginners Seminar (EPIBS) - Patent searching for beginners' or equivalent knowledge. Participation can be subject to proof of the respective prerequisites.
Basic knowledge about patents and how companies do business. A good command of spoken and written English.
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Chapter 5 Raising IP awareness in academia
Sensitising the minds of the future to the fact that patents are a source of technical information and commercial intelligence
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What we do
We offer expertise in supporting the IP training activities of academic institutions and European IP associations. We take IP teaching beyond the domain of law and into the domains of science, engineering and business. We target business and innovation management students, and show them how to use the patent system. We raise IP awareness among universities, technology transfer offices (TTOs) and researchers and show them how to make the best use of patent information. We create networks of universities which include IP as part of their syllabus, or wish to do so, and encourage universities which already offer IP content to expand existing programmes and introduce IP as a compulsory subject.
Why
Europe's universities and colleges are the best place to educate people on IP. We want students to understand that patents are a source of technical information and commercial intelligence, as well as being stimuli for innovation and tools to facilitate technology transfer. It is essential that academics learn how and why it is important to protect their ideas.
How
We co-operate with academics, teachers and the staff of TTOs as well as policymakers dealing with IP matters in an educational context. We work with IP teaching experts to establish minimum standards and to identify essential elements for IP education. Equally, we are continuously expanding our IP academic network. The European Policy for Intellectual Property (EPIP) and the European Intellectual Property Institutes Network (EIPIN) are just two of the bodies we support. Contact: academia@epo.org
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Raising IP awareness in academia
Train-the-trainer workshops
Workshops take place throughout the year: Reference AW02-2012, 21 February, Tallin (EE) Reference AW03-2012, 28 March, Bologna (IT) Workshops in Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Germany, Rumania, Serbia, Spain and Turkey (tba)
Target groups
Academics, technology transfer professionals, researchers
Participants will
learn how to compile a lecture with the Patent teaching kit learn how to introduce patent-related IP topics in various faculties know which didactic methods to apply.
Content
Delivery of one of the core modules of the Patent teaching kit (core module 1 'Protect your ideas' or core module 2 'How patents work'). Sharing of experience gained while lecturing with the Patent teaching kit Discussing didactics, specific teaching methods and how to interact with students Understanding patent claims Searching for patents
Objectives
Participants will know how to use the Patent teaching kit for preparing lectures. They will also be well briefed on how to give an introductory lecture on patents, how to integrate IP into their programmes using the most appropriate module and how to search for patents.
Prerequisites
No prior knowledge of IP is required. Intent to integrate IP into programme or offer a stand-alone course on IP is desirable.
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Chapter 6 Learning online
Learning at your own pace, wherever you want
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Chapter 6 Learning online What we do

We produce and co-ordinate online training resources on patent-related topics. Learners throughout the world use our self-study materials and participate in our virtual classroom sessions and discussion forums, and can combine these with face-to-face courses and conferences. Built on one of the leading learning infrastructures Moodle *, we offer a wide range of learning formats: structured courses with set learning objectives for specific target groups (registration required) e-learning modules, podcasts and presentations (accessible to all, free of charge) recordings of major conferences.
Why
Our aim is to give as many users as possible easy access to patent knowledge. We do this by creating and making available a comprehensive range of flexible training tools. Our work is helping to deliver on a major aspect of the European Patent Academy's mission: "to promote equal access to training opportunities related to international and European patent law and practice in all current and future EPC contracting states".
How
From conception to completion, the development of e-learning material is a process that takes several months, involving the expertise of numerous professionals. We adapt the methodologies and formats used to learners' needs, and constantly strive to enhance the learner experience. For example, we are currently developing and testing new solutions with mobile applications. Under the EPO Co-operation Roadmap, we are committed to achieving common standards for the exchange of materials and, where feasible, for the translation of these materials into as many languages as possible. At present we are involved in several different projects within the European Patent Network and in projects with the OHIM, EC, WHO, WIPO and various IP training institutions.
* Moodle is a registered trade mark of Moodle Trust.
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Explore a range of open-access modules
Learn at your own pace, in your own time: www.epo.org/e-learning
Selecting a topic Patent search, Patenting, Patent law & legal issues, Intellectual property in business will take you to some of our most popular podcasts, lectures and modules. Some popular videos and e-learning modules Oral proceedings at the EPO A filmed reconstruction of a fictitious case for information and training purposes (also available on DVD). Case law of the EPO boards of appeal: a review by internal and external experts This online module consists of video recordings of presentations made by members of the boards of appeal, patent attorneys and judges at a seminar in Munich in March 2011. The speakers review essential EPO case law and some of the boards' most recent decisions. Search Matters 2011 Video recordings of presentations and workshops on tools, resources, methods and strategies for efficient searching. Material on Search Matters 2012 will be made available by mid-2012. Guide to the Patent teaching kit An interactive tutorial which explains what the Patent Teaching Kit is (a resource designed for university lecturers interested in teaching patent knowledge) and how to use it. Some popular podcasts Drafting written opinions The impressions of participants at a seminar which took place in Berlin in 2010 under the guidance of EPO experts. Managing patent disputes from an SME perspective A summary of the main topics covered in a workshop held in Ljubljana in 2010, including the importance of patent management and other IP assets in limiting business risks. Presenting the Patent teaching kit How IP teachers and university lecturers can introduce their students to patents. Major changes to the PCT procedure The supplementary international search and amended provisions governing the filing of sequence listings represent a great opportunity for users to get a full picture of the relevant prior art and hence to minimise costs. The London Agreement Learn how it works and potentially reduces the translation costs associated with European patents.
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Signing up for online courses
The Academy offers a wide and growing range of courses designed for staff of national patent offices, patent librarians and anyone else interested in learning about search, classification, opposition and other patent-related topics. If you want to sign up for a course, check out the range on offer on www.epo.org/ip-calendar Activate the filters "Medium" >> "Online training", and select the target group you belong to. You do not need much in the way of technology to access the training platform: an internet connection, a recent version of a popular internet browser (such as Internet Explorer or Safari) and, if possible, audio equipment is enough in most cases. If the course includes virtual classroom sessions, please also ensure that your firewall set-up allows video/audio streaming (check with your IT support department). Normally, if you can see and hear video streams (like YouTube) you should be fine.
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Chapter 7 Making the most of epo.org/ip-calendar
Registering for an EPO training event Finding a seminar anywhere in Europe Advertising your own event
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Finding your level using a pilot tool
When designing our training programme, we at the Academy have to know what exactly our trainees need. And you need to know what best meets your requirements before you register for a training event. A tool to help allocate you to a course at the right level is to be launched in May 2012. In the test phase (2012), the pilot will be limited to the staff of national patent offices (NPO) of EPO member states selected seminars on search and examination assignment to one of three possible levels of expertise. This "level finder" is basically an online questionnaire which you complete on a voluntary basis when you register for a training event. It automatically assigns you to the corresponding level of expertise: entry, intermediate or advanced.
Example
1. You, an NPO examiner, intend to register for the seminar "Novelty and inventive step, intermediate level" (please see page 19) and enter the corresponding reference OS14-2012 in the keyword area of the IP Calendar (www.epo.org/ip-calendar, please see page 67). 2. Before sending the online registration form, you will be asked to complete a short questionnaire on novelty and inventive step. 3. You complete the questionnaire online. 4. The answers are automatically evaluated and you are assigned to one of three levels of expertise. 5. You are advised to register for the seminar on novelty and inventive step at that level.
Further potential: customised training programme
We may develop the tool in future to propose full personalised training programmes. The idea is this: you go to the Academy's website and complete a questionnaire on your chosen subject-field, for example "Search and examination". Based on your answers, the tool will generate a programme for you, comprising a range of courses at the right levels. This would help you select training events more accurately, and thereby simplify any approval procedures you need to follow. At the same time, we at the Academy would closely monitor the needs expressed and could tailor the training we offer accordingly.
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Registration tool, diary and advertising channel in one
www.epo.org/ip-calendar
Accessible via the website of the European Patent Office, the searchable IP Calendar doubles as the online registration service of the European Patent Academy and central repository for information on training events throughout Europe. It is also a truly collaborative tool: the EPOs input is supplemented with event details supplied by partners like the OHIM, WIPO and national patent offices. The spirit of co-operation fostered by this scheduling and co-ordination aid also underpins the principles of complementarity and subsidiarity. Equally, it facilitates the dissemination of information and promotion of training events. Make the most of it:
Registering for an EPO training event
Simply enter the events reference (for example: OS06-2012) in the keyword field. This will automatically take you to the course description and online registration form. If online registration is not yet possible, this will be indicated accordingly. Note: if a seminar has a restricted target group, an authorisation code may be required. For example in the case of staff members of national patent offices, the code is available from the Academy contact person of the respective office.
Finding an IP-related event in Europe
Simply use the filtering options when entering your search criteria, i.e. dates, location, event, topic, etc. EPO events are displayed against a grey background in the list of results. You can get the latest news on training from the European Patent Academy by subscribing to the fortnightly EPO newsletter (Learning & events). You can at the same time subscribe to our e-mail alert service, and have, for example, reminders about registration deadlines sent straight to your inbox: www.epo.org/newsletter
Promoting your own events
The European Patent Academy is co-operating with UAIPIT (University of Alicante Intellectual Property & Information Technology) to collect information on IP educational events around Europe. Event providers can enter data in the IP Calendar free of charge by completing the dedicated form on www.uaipit.com or by writing to uaipit@ua.es
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Chapter 8 Building synergies with partners
We contribute to Europes innovation capacity by improving with our partners, the expertise and skills of the users of the European patent system
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Chapter 8 Building synergies with partners What we do
Our job is to keep delivering on the European Patent Academy's mission, as defined by a joint decision of the Administrative Council and the President of the EPO when the Academy was set up in 2004: (a) to foster the development and harmonisation of education and training in the field of European and international patent-related intellectual property law and practice in the present and future member states of the European Patent Organisation for the benefit of the European patent system; (b) to facilitate the process of accession to the European Patent Convention and to support the integration of new member states; (c) to promote equal access to training opportunities related to international and European patent law and practice in all current and future EPC contracting states; (d) to contribute to Europes innovation capacity by improving the expertise and skills of the users of the European patent system.
Why
Fostering close co-operation with national institutions active in the European patent system is an excellent practical illustration of how the EPO can help to develop a patent culture in Europe.
How
We pay particular attention to ensuring that the Academy's activities benefit from the synergies achieved through working with national patent offices (NPOs), other IP institutions and training providers. For example, we actively co-operate with the OHIM on e-learning, working towards establishing a common tool and platform where training materials and general information from the EPO, OHIM, WIPO and the NPOs will be made available. The support we offer candidates to the European qualifying examination (EQE) as well as the vocational training for professional representatives are mainly organised in co-operation with the epi. Offering guidance on IP education schemes would not be possible without a well-functioning network of European institutions. Contact: academy@EPO
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Chapter 8 Building synergies with partners
In addition to working with the patent or intellectual property offices in all 38 member states of the European Patent Organisation, we combine forces with: Institute of Professional Representatives before the European Patent Office (epi) www.patentepi.com Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market (OHIM) oami.europa.eu World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) www.wipo.int European Commission ec.europa.eu Executive Agency for Competitiveness and Innovation (EACI) ec.europa.eu/eaci/ Enterprise Europe Network Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) www.oecd.org BUSINESSEUROPE www.businesseurope.eu IP Judges Association European Patent Lawyers Association Centre d'tudes Internationales de la Proprit Intellectuelle www.ceipi.edu Licensing Executives Society International (LESI) www.lesi.org European BIC (Business Innovation Centres) Network www.ebn.be/
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European Patent Academy European Patent Office Erhardstr. 27 80469 Munich Germany Tel. +49 (0)89 2399-5454 academy@epo.org www.epo.org/learning
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Training overview 2012

Resources for better interaction with the European patent system

European Patent Academy

Benot Battistelli President European Patent Office

The European Patent Academy: who we are and what we do

Friederike v. Westernhagen Nol Campling

Diana Portabella Llinares

Alejandro Flores-Jimnez Bettina Berger

Susana Snchez Barrio

Chapter 1 Strengthening co-operation with institutions

Chapter 1 Strengthening co-operation with institutions What we do

For updates, please check www.epo.org/ip-calendar

Chapter 1 Strengthening co-operation with institutions

Chapter 1 Strengthening co-operation with institutions

For updates, please check www.epo.org/ip-calendar

Chapter 1 Strengthening co-operation with institutions

Chapter 1 Strengthening co-operation with institutions

For updates, please check www.epo.org/ip-calendar

Chapter 1 Strengthening co-operation with institutions

Search and examination

Patent examiners at national offices from member and non-member states

Chapter 1 Strengthening co-operation with institutions

Reference OS08-2012 17 to 21 September 2012 (5 days), EPO The Hague

For updates, please check www.epo.org/ip-calendar

Chapter 1 Strengthening co-operation with institutions

Chapter 1 Strengthening co-operation with institutions

Staff of national patent offices of the EPO member states

For updates, please check www.epo.org/ip-calendar

Chapter 1 Strengthening co-operation with institutions

Search and examination

Staff of national patent offices of the EPO member states

Chapter 1 Strengthening co-operation with institutions

Staff of national patent offices of the EPO member states

For updates, please check www.epo.org/ip-calendar

Chapter 1 Strengthening co-operation with institutions

Staff of national patent offices of the EPO member states

Chapter 1 Strengthening co-operation with institutions

Staff of national patent offices of the EPO member states

For updates, please check www.epo.org/ip-calendar

Chapter 1 Strengthening co-operation with institutions

Staff of national patent offices of the EPO member states

Chapter 1 Strengthening co-operation with institutions

Die Teilnehmer werden

For updates, please check www.epo.org/ip-calendar

Chapter 1 Strengthening co-operation with institutions

Chapter 1 Strengthening co-operation with institutions

For updates, please check www.epo.org/ip-calendar

Chapter 1 Strengthening co-operation with institutions

Chapter 1 Strengthening co-operation with institutions

Legal and procedural issues

For updates, please check www.epo.org/ip-calendar

Chapter 1 Strengthening co-operation with institutions

Legal and procedural issues

Staff of national patent offices of the EPO member states

Chapter 1 Strengthening co-operation with institutions

Tools and practices of IP offices

A very good command of spoken and written English.

Sufficient command of English to follow the presentations.

For updates, please check www.epo.org/ip-calendar

Chapter 1 Strengthening co-operation with institutions

A very good command of spoken and written English.

Chapter 1 Strengthening co-operation with institutions