EPO Introduces a New Certification Scheme: EPAC

User feedback towards the European Patent Office (EPO) has repeatedly expressed the need to establish a new certification scheme for paralegals and administrators.

With that goal in mind, the EPO has now created the EPAC, a new certification scheme aiming to equip IP professionals with the knowledge and skills to manage filing procedures, prosecution, grant, and renewal processes before the EPO.  First enrolments begin in September 2022 and the first exam will take place on 12 December 2022.

Candidates will be evaluated on procedural aspects under the European Patent Convention (EPC), the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), and the Paris Convention. In addition, the examination will cover national laws and agreements applicable to European patents.