Cost reduction for European patents: Presentation on the effects of the London Agreement on European patent translation costs

Biotechnology Practice Note

Historically, EPO Examiners have exercised some discretion when examining sequence listing for compliance with WIPO standard ST.25 (the international standard for sequence listings). However, the EPO is receiving increasing numbers of sequence listings which do not comply with the WIPO standard, to the extent that many sequence listings are very difficult to search and/or are meaningless. Therefore, the EPO has increased the strictness of its examination.

Nearly 3000 European patents were opposed in 2006 according to the latest information from the European Patent Office, reflecting the commercial significance of European patents.  We have a significant opposition and appeal practice.  The EPO has recently announced some changes to opposition and appeal practice.

Inventor awards scheme are widely recognised as useful in ensuring the engagement of engineers and developers with your innovation strategy.