Addressing future challenges in the patent system: EPO opens public consultation on new Observatory

In their most recent strategic plan, the European Patent Office (EPO) has identified the need for a more evidence- and debate-based approach to address future evolutions in the patenting system. To that end, the creation of a dedicated Observatory was proposed. The EPO has now launched a public user consultation on the Observatory and invites all stakeholders to participate.

The Observatory is set to become a consultation platform that addresses the diverse needs of various user groups. It will actively bring together public and private stakeholders to discuss the latest developments in the patent system based on analyses of patent trends. Most importantly, the EPO hopes to include diverse viewpoints from a wide range of stakeholders. 

As a central, open and collaborative patent knowledge sharing network, the Observatory will enable the EPO and its partners to better respond to challenges, anticipate change and take measures leading to economic, social and environmental progress.

The feedback tool is open until 4 March 2022.