Global Stakeholders Discuss Substantive Patent Law Harmonisation at EPO Meeting

On 17 and 18 February 2026, the B+ Working Group on Substantive Patent Law Harmonisation held an international stakeholder meeting hosted by the European Patent Office (EPO) in Munich. The hybrid meeting gathered more than 70 representatives of patent offices, users and other stakeholders worldwide. 

Discussions focused on advancing work on key aspects of substantive patent law harmonisation. In his opening remarks, EPO President António Campinos highlighted the importance of international dialogue in view of the global nature of innovation and the importance of continued efforts towards substantive patent law harmonisation. 

Technical exchanges addressed several complex issues, including elements of the grace period such as the reference date, accelerated publication and possible statement requirements. The meeting also examined conditions for prior user rights, including standards of behaviour and questions related to derivation during the grace period. Further discussions covered the scope of prior user rights and issues concerning conflicting applications, including anti-self-collision and double-patenting measures. 

The Working Group outlined its proposed next steps for the 2026–2027 work cycle. Input received during the meeting will feed into a report on prior user rights to be presented to the Group B+ at its Plenary meeting in Geneva in July 2026, alongside the WIPO General Assemblies.