Summaries of the tasks of the committees
By-Laws Committee
The By-Laws Committee assists the President, the Board and the Council in all matters having regard to the interpretation of the various regulations of the epi, the most important of them being the Founding Regulation and the By-Laws. On request of the Board or Council the Committee proposes in the three official languages amendments of existing By-Laws, or drafts new ones.
The By-Laws Committee is responsible for the organisation of the Collection of Decisions (CoD) and for editorial changes and translation revisions.
The By-Laws Committee consists of five members, of which one shall have German, one English, and one French, respectively, as their mother tongue. This Committee shall have up to four substitute members, of which, one shall have German, one English, and one French, respectively as their mother tongue, necessarily substituting the full member having the same mother tongue.
Terms of Reference of the By-Laws
Primary contact in the epi Secretariat: Susanne Ullmann
Country | Name |
---|---|
AT | Forsthuber Martin |
BE | Leyder Francis (subst.) |
CH | Liebetanz Michael |
DE | Schober Christoph D. (subst.) |
FR | Nevant Marc (subst.) |
Moutard Pascal Jean (Chair) | |
GB | Mercer Christopher Paul |
Wright Simon Mark | |
Instone Alicia Claire (subst.) |
Editorial Committee
The task of the Editorial Committee in publishing "epi Information" shall be to ensure that the publisher of the journal will receive all texts to be published. In addition, the tasks if the Editorial Committee in maintaining the epi website shall be to ensure that all texts to be published are placed and removed from the website as appropriate.
The Editorial Committee shall consist of at least four and at most eight members. Of these, one shall have German, one English, and one French, respectively, as their mother tongue. At least one member should have knowledge of Internet website design.
Terms of Reference of the Editorial Committee
Primary contact in the epi Secretariat: Sadia Liebig
Country | Name |
---|---|
DE | Schmid Johannes |
Thesen Michael | |
FR | Nevant Marc (Chair) |
GR | Samouilidis Emmanouil |
IE | Casey Lindsay Joseph (Vice-Chair) |
MC | Amira Sami |
NL | Blokland Arie |
PT | Dinis Abrantes Ricardo Jorge |
epi-Finances Committee
The epi-Finances Committee advises on the preparation of the budget and makes proposals for the financial planning and financial management of the Institute. The Committee is empowered to consider financial management of the Institute and investigates every aspect of the financial affairs of the Institute, particularly for the purpose of ensuring a balanced financial situation.
The Committee shall have a maximum of ten full members.
Terms of Reference of the epi-Finances Committee
Primary contact in the epi Secretariat: Susanne Ullmann
Country | Name |
---|---|
BE | Quintelier Claude (Chair) |
CH | Braun André jr. |
DE | Schober Christoph D. |
FI | Konkonen Tomi-Matti Juhani |
FR | Conan Philippe Claude |
GB | Powell Timothy John (Secretary) |
IT | Paglia Pietro |
MK | Ilievski Bogoljub |
PL | Malewska Ewa |
PT | Pereira da Cruz Joao |
EPO Finances Committee
The Committee's terms of reference are to keep under review the information available, from the EPO or otherwise, concerning all aspects of the financial affairs and forward planning of the EPO having relevance for the levels of official fees charged to the applicant. The concern of the Committee is not just the absolute level of fees, but also assessing whether the users of the EPO get value for money. This involves looking to the Annual Report and other documents relating to the EPO's costs, staffing, financial obligations, performance, and levels of demand.
The committee shall have a maximum of four full members, and up to four substitute members.
Terms of Reference of the EPO Finances Committee
Primary contact in the epi Secretariat: Susanne Ullmann
Country | Name |
---|---|
BE | Kellenberger Jakob |
CH | Körner Thomas Ottmar (subst.) |
DE | Winter Andreas (Secretary) |
Schober Christoph D. (subst.) | |
Wilhelm Wolfgang (subst.) | |
GB | Boff James Charles (Chair) |
IE | Casey Lindsay Joseph |
NL | Tanwar Girish (subst.) |
Online Communications Committee
The Online Communications Committee collaborates with the European Patent Office in its projects for introducing online communication. The Committee draws on experience and knowledge of the systems set up by the national Patent Offices of the USA and Japan. In addition, the Committee monitors the activities of National Patent Offices in the Member States and other official institutions in the area of online communications in connection with intellectual property and observes the efforts of these institutions regarding harmonisation of online communications. The Committee deals with all questions relating to these projects referred to it by members of the epi. The Committee members are selected for having practical experience of online systems for the benefit of the members of epi, and of the European Patent Office and its users.
The Committee shall have a maximum of eleven full members.
Primary contact in the epi Secretariat: Susanne Ullmann
Country | Name |
---|---|
AT | Gassner Birgitta |
BE | Van Garsse Joris Marc H |
CH | Vavrin Ronny |
DE | Grau Benjamin |
Scheele Friedrich | |
FR | Biron Yannick |
GB | Gray John James (Chair) |
IE | Brophy David Timothy (Vice-Chair) |
IT | Meindl Tassilo |
PL | Bury Marek |
RO | Boncea Oana-Laura |
Country | Name |
---|---|
DE | Banzhaf Felicita |
Harbach Ulrich | |
Kisters Michael | |
Wilhelm Wolfgang | |
IT | Masciopinto Gian Giuseppe |
PL | Przyluski Michal Wiktor |
Harmonisation Committee
The Harmonisation Committee deals with all questions concerning the worldwide harmonisation of Patent Law. In particular, the Committee advises the delegates named by the President of the Council for meetings of the Standing Committee on the law of Patents, convened by WIPO, or for other related meetings convened by WIPO, and reports to the Council about these meetings.
The Harmonisation Committee shall have a maximum of ten full members.
Terms of Reference of the Harmonisation Committee
Primary contact in the epi Secretariat: Sadia Liebig
Country | Name |
---|---|
BE | Leyder Francis |
DE | Hössle Markus |
ES | Durán Moya Luis-Alfonso |
FI | Kärkkäinen Veli-Matti |
FR | Ajdari Emmanuel |
GB | Brown John D. (Chair) |
IE | Roche Dermot |
IT | Santi Filippo (Secretary) |
PL | Krekora Magdalena |
RO | Teodorescu Mihaela |
Country | Name |
---|---|
DE | Vogelsang Wenke Heike |
Wegner Michaela | |
IT | Paolo Guido |
Committee on Biotechnological Inventions
The Committee on Biotechnological Inventions shall consider and discuss all questions pertaining to, or connected with, inventions in the field of biotechnology, including the Budapest Treaty.
For this Committee, only one full member may be elected for each member state.
Working Groups
Terms of Reference of the Biotech Committee
Primary contact in the epi Secretariat: Sadia Liebig
Country | Name |
---|---|
AL | Sinojmeri Diana |
AT | Wolfram Markus |
BE | Vanhalst Koen |
CH | Sperrle Martin |
CZ | Hartvichova Katerina |
DE | Exner Torsten |
DK | Faria Viola Gonçalves Vera Lúcia |
ES | Vega Hernández María Lorena |
FI | Virtaharju Outi Elina |
FR | Taravella Brigitte (Secretary) |
GB | Wright Simon Mark (Chair) |
GR | Kosti Vasiliki |
HR | Marsic Natasa |
HU | Kompagne Hajnalka |
IE | Hally Anna-Louise |
IS | Jonsson Thorlakur |
IT | Comoglio Elena |
LI | Bogensberger Burkhard |
LT | Armalyte Elena |
MC | Sendrowski Heiko |
MK | Veskovska Blagica |
NL | van der Wijk Thea |
PL | Kawczynska Marta Joanna |
PT | Teixeira de Carvalho Anabela |
RO | Popa Cristina |
RS | Herak Nada |
SE | Mattsson Niklas |
SK | Makelová Katarína |
SM | Primiceri Maria Vittoria |
TR | Söyleyici Merve |
Country | Name |
---|---|
AT | Weinzinger Philipp |
BE | Desomer Jan G.M. |
CH | Berti Alessandro |
Kamibayashi Lynne | |
DE | Cirl Christine |
Grammel Markus | |
Jaenichen Hans-Rainer | |
Nestle-Nguyen Denise Kim-Lien Tu-Anh | |
Obrecht Gauthier R.V. | |
Oser Andreas | |
Quest Benjamin | |
Vogelsang-Wenke Heike | |
DK | Hegner Anette |
GB | Mercer Christopher Paul |
Tombling Adrian George | |
IT | Turri Elisa |
NL | Gommans Willemijn Maria |
PL | Witek Rafal |
TR | Yalvaç Oya |
Professional Conduct Committee
The Professional Conduct Committee shall deal with the formulation of recommendations in compliance with the Founding Regulation.
For this Committee the maximum number of members which may be elected from each member state is one full member and one substitute member.
Working Groups
Primary contact in the epi Secretariat: Sadia Liebig
Country | Name |
---|---|
AL | Shomo Vjollca |
AT | Prehofer Boris André |
BE | Van den Boeck Wim |
BG | Benatov Samuil Gabriel |
CH | Körner Thomas Ottmar |
Hoffmann Jürgen Gerhard (subst.) | |
CY | Curley Donnacha John |
DE | Stork Martina (Chair) |
Mohr Christian (subst.) | |
ES | Jordá Petersen Santiago |
Saturio Carrasco Pedro Javier (subst.) | |
FI | Sahlin Jonna Elisabeth |
Boije af Gennäs Per Gustav (subst.) | |
FR | Delorme Nicolas |
Taravella Brigitte (subst.) | |
GB | Powell Timothy John |
Dunn Paul Edward (subst.) | |
GR | Kosti Vasiliki |
HR | Dlacic Albina |
HU | Sovari Miklos |
IE | Kelly Donal Morgan |
O'Connor Cornelius John (subst.) | |
IT | Checcacci Giorgio (Secretary) |
LI | Künsch Joachim |
Bazzon Andreas (subst.) | |
LT | Petniunaite Jurga |
MC | Thach Tum |
MK | Ilievski Bogoljub |
NL | Bottema Johan Jan |
NO | Hjelsvold Bodil Merete Sollie |
PL | Dargiewicz Joanna |
Chimiak Monika (subst.) | |
PT | Araújo Vieira Sílvia Cristina |
Dinis Abrantes Jorge Ricardo (subst.) | |
RO | Teodorescu Mihaela |
Georgescu Cristina (subst.) | |
SE | Bjerndell Per Ingvar |
Holmberg-Schwindt Tor Martin (subst.) | |
SI | Leyder Francis (Vice-Chair) |
SM | Agazzani Giampaolo |
Maroscia Antonio (subst.) | |
TR | Cayli Hülya |
Aksoy Okan Alper (subst.) |
Country | Name |
---|---|
PL | Krekora Magdalena |
IT | Morabito Sara |
European Patent Practice Committee
The European Patent Practice Committee (EPPC) considers and discusses all questions pertaining to, or connected with, practice under the European Patent Convention, the Community Unitary Patent Regulation and the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) including any revision thereof, except questions concerning inventions in the field of biotechnology, online communications, documentation and patent information, the litigation of EP and Community applications and patents, and the setting of EPO fees. The EPPC drafts epi position papers for ratification by Council and then submits them to relevant bodies.
This Committee shall include one full member, for each member state, and additional full members belonging to four technological groups as follows.
Technological Groups
- Pharmaceuticals (10 members)
- Information and Communication Technologies (12 members)
- Mechanics: (10 members)
- Chemistry (8 members)
Working Groups
- Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)
- Quality
- Patent Documentation and Information (PDI)
- Unitary Patent (UP)
- European Patent Convention (EPC)
- Guidelines
- Members of SACEPO and Boards of Appeal (MSBA)
- G 1/24
Terms of Reference of the EPPC
Primary contact in the epi Secretariat: Susanne Ullmann
Country | Name |
---|---|
AL | Panidha Ela |
AT | Donatello Daniele |
BE | Michalík Andrej |
BG | Georgieva Mariya |
CH | Wilming Martin |
CY | Rousounidou Vasiliki A. |
CZ | Fousková Petra |
DE | Fleuchaus Michael A. (Vice-Chair) |
DK | Hegner Anette |
EE | Toome Jürgen |
ES | Lasanta Rica César |
FI | Kokko Antti Ohto Kalervo |
FR | Thon Julien |
GB | Mercer Christopher Paul (Chair) |
GR | Samouilidis Emmanouil |
HR | Hadzija Tomislav |
HU | Lezsák Gábor |
IE | McCarthy Denis Alexis |
IS | Fridriksson Einar Karl (Secretary) |
IT | Modiano Micaela Nadia |
LI | Gyaja Christoph Benjamin |
LT | Pakeniene Ausra |
LU | Ocvirk Philippe |
LV | Fortuna Jevgenijs |
MC | Kremer Véronique Marie Joséphine |
MK | Filipov Gjorgji |
NL | van Woudenberg Roel |
NO | Rekdal Kristine |
PL | Augustyniak Magdalena Anna |
PT | Pereira da Cruz Joao |
RO | Nicolaescu Daniella Olga |
RS | Pribic Jelena |
SE | Franks Barry Gerard |
SK | Drevený Lukás |
SM | Tiburzi Andrea |
TR | Simsek Meliha Merve |
Country | Name |
---|---|
BE | De Clercq Ann G. Y. |
DE | Sendrowski Heiko |
Vogelsang-Wenke Heike | |
IT | Cavicchia Demetrio Roberto |
Cossu Alessandro | |
De Giorgi Michele | |
Seeger Heiko | |
MK | Ilievski Bogoljub |
NL | Coolen Marcus Cornelis Johannes |
PL | Kawczynska Marta Joanna |
RS | Herak Nada |
TR | Kayahan Senem |
Yalvaç Oya |
Professional Education Committee (PEC)
PEC advises the epi Board on professional education and qualification. There is at least one member from each EPC member country. The members are involved in EQE related matters and/or Continuing Professional Education (CPE) related matters.
The PEC organises and oversees educational activities, including webinars and seminars. The online activities are available on the epi-learning platform which is open to epi members and epi students, who are registered trainees preparing for the European Qualifying Examination (EQE). The epi students have access through the platform to a students’ forum, EQE online workshops and epi tutorials.
The full PEC meets twice a year: one plenary meeting is fully online and the other is a hybrid meeting. PEC has set up several sub-committees and working groups to concentrate on key areas of its responsibility. Each group has the appropriate number of members and these groups meet online as frequently as needed.
At the moment, PEC is particularly considering the new format of the EQE as well as building the CPE program of seminars and webinars.
epi members are asked to get in touch with their national PEC member regarding any educational / PEC related matter.
One of the responsibilities of PEC members is the organisation of national seminars.
The PEC can be reached via pec@patentepi.org or via education@patentepi.org.
Subcommittees and Working Groups
- “CPE” subcommittee
- “Editorial” subcommittee
- “Education of professional representatives’ staff” subcommitee
- “epi students and EQE candidates” subcommittee
- “epi Tutors and Coaches” subcommittee
- “EQE” subcommittee
- “Executive” subcommittee
- “IPREE/REE” Working Group
- “Mandatory reporting of CPE” Working Group
- ”UP/UPC Education“ Working Group
Primary contact in the epi Secretariat: Barbara Riffert, Jacqueline Kalbe
Country | Name |
---|---|
AT | Spillmann Adrian (subst.) |
Stadler Michael | |
BE | De Groote Youri (subst.) |
Duyver Jurgen Martha Herman | |
BG | Georgieva Mariya |
Tahtadjiev Konstantin (subst.) | |
CH | Kapic Tarik (Secretary) |
Ruder Susanna Louise (subst.) | |
CY | Curley Donnacha John (subst.) |
Theodoulou Christos A. | |
CZ | Hartvichova Katerina |
Matysová Jitka (subst.) | |
DE | Pott Thomas |
DK | Andreasen Lotte Vinggaard |
ES | Pato Cour Isabel |
Sánchez Ruth (subst.) | |
FI | Meinander Ulf Kristian |
Vattulainen Erkkilä Anniina (subst.) | |
FR | Collin Jérôme |
Senninger Thierry (subst.) | |
GB | Gwilt Julia Louise (Chair) |
Mackett Margaret (subst.) | |
GR | Kosti Vasiliki (subst.) |
Lioumbis Alexandros | |
HU | Ravadits Imre Miklós (subst.) |
Tepfenhárt Dóra Andrea | |
IE | Bo Lin (subst.) |
Skrba Sinéad | |
IS | Gudmundsdóttir Anna Valborg |
IT | Burgin Maria Chiara (subst.) |
Morabito Sara | |
LI | Hofmann Markus Günter |
LT | Armalyte Elena (subst.) |
Gerasimovic Liudmila | |
LU | Mellet Valérie Martine |
LV | Ferara Nina |
MC | Thach Tum |
MK | Pepeljugoski Valentin |
MT | Rambelli Paolo |
NL | op den Brouw-Sprakel Vera Stefanie Irene (subst.) |
van Wezenbeek Lambertus A.C.M. | |
NO | Reitan Katja |
Read Howard Graham (subst.) | |
PL | Dargiewicz Joanna |
Mlynarska Paulina Emma (subst.) | |
PT | do Nascimento Gomes Rui |
Silvestre de Almeida Ferreira Luís Humberto (subst.) | |
RO | Boncea Oana-Laura |
RS | Pribic Jelena |
SE | Färm Magnus (subst.) |
Herbjørnsen Rut | |
SI | Boric Vezjak Maja |
SK | Cechvala Radovan |
SM | Agazzani Giampaolo |
Primiceri Maria Vittoria (subst.) | |
TR | Atalay Baris |
Hamamcioglu Volkan (subst.) |
Country | Name |
---|---|
AT | Schweinzer Friedrich |
DE | Gerding-Reimers Claas |
Möller Björn Matthias | |
Naefe Ausra | |
Pavan Andrea | |
Richard Thinagaran Gift Preston | |
GB | Pintz Zsofia |
TR | Yalvaç Oya |
Litigation Committee
The Litigation Committee considers and discusses all aspects of patent litigation in Europe, in particular on infringement and validity of European Patents. It further observes inter-state agreements and relevant developing case law. In addition, the Litigation Committee also considers and discusses matters such as Client-Patent-Attorney-Privilege for and Representation in Court by European Patent Attorneys. The Litigation Committee plays an active role in monitoring, discussing and preparing epi positions on matters concerning the Unitary Patent/Unified Patent Court system including the requirements for European Patent Attorneys to acquire the necessary qualifications to play an active role in the UP/UPC system.
The underlying objective is for the Litigation Committee to be a strategic partner in further developing and improving the legal and practical framework for patent litigation in Europe.
The Committee shall consist of a maximum of one full member and one substitute member for each contracting state.
Sub-committees
The Litigation Committee has set up a number of subcommittees to concentrate on key areas of its responsibilities.
Terms of Reference of the Litigation Committee
Primary contact in the epi Secretariat: Susanne Ullmann
Country | Name |
---|---|
AL | Panidha Ela |
AT | Gehring Andreas |
Stadler Michael (subst.) | |
BE | De Clercq Ann G. Y. |
Vanhalle Maja (subst.) | |
BG | Georgieva-Tabakova Milena Lubenova |
Sirakova Olga Rousseva (subst.) | |
CH | Hoffmann Jürgen Gerhard |
Körner Thomas Ottmar (subst.) | |
CY | Theodoulou Christos A. |
Rousounidou Vasiliki A. (subst.) | |
CZ | Slavík Jiri |
DE | Pfrang Tilman (Vice-Chair) |
Töpert Verena Clarita (subst.) | |
DK | Thorsen Jesper |
ES | Arias Sanz Juan |
Sáez Granero Francisco Javier (subst.) | |
FI | Finnilä Kim Larseman (Chair) |
Nielsen Michael Jon (subst.) | |
FR | Nuss Laurent |
Le Roy Gwennhaël (subst.) | |
GB | Radkov Stoyan Atanassov |
Critten Matthew Peter (subst.) | |
GR | Kouzelis Dimitrios |
Vavekis Konstantinos (subst.) | |
HR | Vukina Sanja |
HU | Török Ferenc |
Grof Palma (subst.) | |
IE | Walshe Triona Mary (Secretary) |
Walsh Marie Goretti (subst.) | |
IS | Ingvarsson Sigurdur |
IT | Colucci Giuseppe |
De Gregori Antonella (subst.) | |
LI | Holzheu Christian |
Harmann Bernd-Günther (subst.) | |
LT | Viesunaite Vilija |
Pakeniene Ausra (subst.) | |
LU | Bruck Mathis |
Mellet Valérie Martine (subst.) | |
LV | Osmans Voldemars |
MC | Thach Tum |
MK | Pepeljugoski Valentin |
NL | Hesselink Dinah Elisabeth |
Land Addick Adrianus Gosling (subst.) | |
NO | Simonsen Kari Helen |
Read Howard Graham (subst.) | |
PL | Przyluski Michal Wiktor |
Godlewski Piotr (subst.) | |
PT | Cruz Nuno |
Silvestre de Almeida Ferreira Luís Humberto (subst.) | |
RO | Petculescu Ana-Maria |
Georgescu Cristina (subst.) | |
RS | Zatezalo Mihajlo |
SE | Presland Torbjörn |
Rådbo Lars Olof (subst.) | |
SI | Bakirci Utkan Bahri |
SK | Neuschl Vladimir |
SM | Perronace Andrea |
Petraz Davide Luigi (subst.) | |
TR | Tas Emrah |
Alpayim Anil Bugra (subst.) |
Electoral Committee
The Electoral Committee set up by the Council under Rule 4 of the Rules for election of Council, shall ensure the smooth running of the elections. For the ordinary election for which it is set up, the Electoral Committee shall supervise conformity with the applicable rules, the opening of envelopes and counting of the votes, shall decide in cases of doubt, shall draw lots whenever required by the Rules for Election of Council, and shall prepare a written report to the President of the Council on that election.
Terms of Reference of the Electoral Committee
Primary contact in the epi Secretariat: Committees Support
Country | Name |
---|---|
CH | Markus Andreas Müller (Chair) |
GB | Peter Barrett |
IS | Arni Vilhjálmsson |
Nominations Committee
The Nominations Committee consists of a maximum of 6 members being current or former members of the Presidium, elected by the Council and not standing for election to the Board. The Nominations Committee exists to seek candidates for positions belonging to the Board, bearing in mind the capacity and the time availability of candidates to comply with the responsibilities of the positions to be filled, so as to ensure that there is at least a candidate for each vacant position in the Board.
Terms of Reference of the Nominations Committee
Primary contact in the epi Secretariat: Committees Support
Country | Name |
---|---|
BE | Leyder Francis |
BG | Sirakova Olga Rousseva |
CH | Liebetanz Michael |
DE | Tüngler Eberhard |
Vogelsang-Wenke Heike (Chair) | |
TR | Arkan Selda |
epi Studentship Admissions Committee (SAC)
The purpose of this Committee is to determine whether each person applying to become an epi student has the necessary qualifications to meet the requirements set out in the Rules governing epi studentship.
The Committee shall consist of seven members elected by Council.
Primary contact in the epi Secretariat: Noreen Osterlehner
Country | Name |
---|---|
CH | Favre Nicolas |
DE | Ferara Nina |
Leißler-Gerstl Gabriele | |
FR | Haines Sara Christine |
GB | Mercer Christopher Paul (Chair) |
IT | Provvisionato Paolo |
NL | van Wezenbeek Lambertus A.C.M. |
IP Commercialization Committee
The IP Commercialization Committee (IPCC) shall consider and deal with all questions pertaining to, or connected with, IP commercialization.
The Committee shall consist of a maximum of 10 full members with practical experience in the field of IP commercialization.
Terms of Reference of the IPCC
Primary contact in the epi Secretariat: Sadia Liebig
Country | Name |
---|---|
CH | Blöchle Hans (Chair) |
DE | Müller Hans Jörg |
Stöckle Florian | |
ES | Durán Moya Luis-Alfonso |
FR | Ajdari Emmanuel |
GB | Duffy Claudia Magdalena |
IE | Quinlan Angela |
IT | Gerbino Angelo |
MK | Filipov Gjorgji |
SE | Isaksson Anders (Secretary) |
Committees Election Committee (CEC)
The Committees Election Committee shall ensure the smooth running of Elections to Committees according to Article 18B By-Laws of the Institute of Professional Representatives.
The Committee shall consist of three members of the Institute who shall not stand for election to another committee.
Terms of Reference of the Committees Election Committee
Primary contact in the epi Secretariat: committees-support@patentepi.org
Country | Name |
---|---|
DE | Thomas Marx (Chair) |
DK | Anders Kjer Pedersen |
PT | Ana Neves |