Transcript Handbook of Quality Procedures before the EPO PCT MIA Mark Weaver Director Practice & Procedure Principal Directorate Quality Management European Patent Office Canberra, February 2012

Handbook of Quality Procedures before
the EPO
PCT MIA
Mark Weaver
Director Practice & Procedure
Principal Directorate Quality Management
European Patent Office
Canberra, February 2012
Introduction
Quality of granted patent strongly linked to
quality and efficiency of procedural practice
•
Real benefits can be achieved by procedures intended for and
applied by both the EPO and applicants
•
Complements the EPO Guidelines for Examination, by highlighting
significant steps and decision points
•
Indicates the consequences if a particular route is or is not followed
•
Provides guidance and advice to improve the cooperation between
applicants/representatives and examiners/formalities officers
•
No intention to limit the choice of strategy
•
No new legal provisions
Topics covered
•
Online Filing
•
Fees
•
Filing of Patent Applications at the EPO
•
EPO Communications and Replies
•
Oral Proceedings in Examination
•
Third Party Observations
•
Limitation and Revocation
•
Opposition
•
Complaints
Involvement of EP Attorneys & European Business
•
Input from European Attorneys and European
Business
– Critical assessment of content and structure
to achieve the best possible product which
benefits all
– Co-endorsement of the final product
•
What all stakeholders get
– Advice and guidance to improve procedural
(not legal) practice
– A tool for reference, training and guidance
for non-European practitioners
– A product which aids in achieving a high
quality result as efficiently as possible
Timeframe
•
Content finalised and endorsed by end 2011
•
Electronic publication in English February 2012
•
Electronic Publication in French and German in Oct 2012
•
Publication (print) and dissemination by other means Q4 2012
•
Presentation to PCT Authorities, principal user representatives (e.g.
JIPA, AIPLA), IP5 offices, EP national offices during 2012
Thank you for your attention
For further information:
email: [email protected]
For questions on procedural matters:
Contact the EPO through the usual channels
email: [email protected]
© 2012 EPO