Annual SQAP Sessions 2026: Call for Observers
August 05, 2026
On 19-21 October 2026, the annual SQAP (Stakeholder Quality Assessment Panel) sessions will take place online, focusing on Search, Grant and Opposition stages of EP proceedings.
Each panel of assessors, composed of patent attorneys and examiners, assesses the quality of EPO work in 6 specific cases and provides feedback.
epi members interested in such assessment may (passively) participate as observers. This provides an excellent opportunity for epi members to follow the discussions on patent quality. It is also particularly valuable for those who may wish to volunteer as assessors in future or who do not yet meet the experience requirements for that role.
The observers will attend the virtual panel discussions without actively participating. To ensure the confidentiality of the discussions, the observers will be asked to sign a standard non-disclosure agreement (NDA). Once the signed NDA has been received, the observer will receive an invitation to the selected panel session(s) together with the corresponding patent file numbers being discussed.
Please note that observers do not actively participate in the discussions but will be asked to provide feedback to the EPO afterwards.
If you are interested in joining as an observer, please complete the survey by 24 August 2026.