The EPO has again put the quality of the European patenting process under the lens. This is a valuable exercise strengthening communication, dialogue and understanding between service providers and users.
It is enlightening to look at the process through the lens from different viewpoints, gaining insight from the perspective of others – whether applicant, attorney, examiner or opponent.
The recently updated Quality Dashboard looks at quality measures for 2024, and the newly published Quality Action Plan for 2025 look at how quality can be maintained and improved in the coming 12 months.
The EPO doubtless aims to deliver a robust search and examination procedure, granting patents that are valid over the art, i.e. are novel and involve an inventive step, while also being clear, sufficient, and containing no added matter.
Of course, applicants and attorneys share the EPO’s aims. However, they also want to secure as broad a scope of protection as possible. They further want to ensure patents have commercial relevance, e.g., deter competitors and attract investors.
It is great to see the EPO deepening Quality Engagement processes. This fosters understanding of each player’s aims, helps the patent granting process flow more effectively, improves everyone’s experience of the process, and hopefully results in better patents.
We continue to positively engage with the EPO and play our part in the feedback process. If you wish to discuss your European patent needs with us, then please contact us at mail@MorelandIP.com or visit our website at www.MorelandIP.com
