European lawmakers hold a session with the Committee on Legal Affairs within the European Parliament, discussing legal matters.
The European Patent Office (EPO) in Munich recently hosted a visit from a delegation of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) from the Committee on Legal Affairs (JURI). EPO President António Campinos welcomed the delegation, marking an important step in fostering collaboration between the EPO and the EU.
During the two-day visit, the discussion focused on the strategic role of the EPO in high-tech sectors, with President Campinos underscoring the EPO's expertise, extensive patent data, and business intelligence tools that support the innovation process. The ongoing digital transformation, including the integration of artificial intelligence to enhance the efficiency and quality of the patent grant process, was also highlighted.
The visit provided an opportunity for the EPO to showcase its core business through an overview of a typical day in the life of a patent examiner. The discussions emphasized how patent intelligence can pinpoint the most promising technologies for strategic investment, with special attention given to the EPO's contributions to the Horizon Europe research programme.
The JURI committee has played a key role in the legislative developments leading to the Unitary Patent for over fifteen years. The Unitary Patent system, in operation since June 2023, has seen successful uptake, particularly among Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). The JURI committee visited the Court of First Instance of the Unified Patent Court during their visit to the EPO.
The JURI committee's interest lies in understanding how the EPO is helping startups and SMEs engage with Europe's patent system. The EPO is addressing this need through targeted fee reductions and tools from the Observatory on Patents and Technology. This platform within the EPO provides data and studies to help SMEs navigate Europe's patent system, with a dedicated data desk to provide specific information and support.
The EPO's role was emphasized in supporting the EU in strategically important areas, such as contributing to legislative discussions or providing data and insights in policy areas where the EU can benefit from the EPO's expertise. The visit also highlighted the EPO's partnerships and cooperation agreements with international and regional organisations in support of the European Commission's innovation agenda.
The discussions also focused on tackling challenges such as reducing fragmentation in Europe's innovation landscape and the single market. The Observatory on Patents and Technology was highlighted as a key platform to driving joint solutions. The visit concluded with a emphasis on Europe's chance to invest boldly in technology, guided by intelligence and shaped by the institutions working together.
In conclusion, the visit by the JURI committee to the EPO was a significant step in strengthening the collaboration between the EPO and the EU. The discussions covered a wide range of topics, from the strategic role of the EPO in high-tech sectors to the Unitary Patent system and the support provided to startups and SMEs. The EPO's expertise and resources were showcased as valuable assets in supporting European initiatives in technology and innovation.
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