Working Group »Diversity and Inclusion«

Primary contact in the epi Secretariat: d-and-i@patentepi.org

Working Group »Small Countries«

The main aim of the Working Group of Small Countries is that of safeguarding, protecting and enhancing the interests of European Patent Attorneys hailing from the Small Countries of the Institute of Professional Representatives before the European Patent Office (epi).

In this regard, the 14 jurisdictions will presumably share a large number of common issues which are topical while, at the same time, interests and concerns among the member states will, presumably, differ in certain aspects and in varying degrees;

With this in mind, the initial task is thus that of seeking to identify both the common ground as well as the differing aspects governing the practice in our respective jurisdictions, in order to enable the Working Group to be better positioned in order to pursue its principal objective;

In this regard, at present the Working Group is involved in an internal fact finding exercise in order to enable the Chair and Vice-Chair to better understand the prevailing scenario in each jurisdiction. Responses to the fact finding mission are expected within 5 May 2025, following which the Chair and Vice-Chair will draw up an Action Plan.

Primary contact in the epi Secretariat: committees-support@patentepi.org

Working Group »Intellectual Property Awareness«

Primary contact in the epi Secretariat: committees-support@patentepi.org

Working Group »Disciplinary System«

The Working Group on Disciplinary System (in short, DS WG) has been established by the Council with the task of studying the present disciplinary system for European patent attorneys and considering possible proposals to improve it. In view of the joint responsibility on the disciplinary system by epi and EPO, the DS WG cooperates with the EPO to share opinions and proposals, under the direction of the President of epi or his delegate. The DS WG reports on its activities to the Council. The members of DS WG have been designated by the Council.

Primary contact in the epi Secretariat: committees-support@patentepi.org