EPO User Day 2024
Join the EPO User Day for updates on our online services, panel discussions, hands-on sessions and expert Q&A.
Event details
Programme
- Tuesday, 11 June 2024
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Event moderator: Manuel Walther, Patent Examiner Team Medical Injection & Infusion, EPO Plenary sessions
09:00-09:10
Welcome to our 2024 User Day
2024 marks a pivotal year at the EPO and the implementation of various quality initiatives developed in collaboration with users. The Unitary Patent celebrates its first year and the path to digital transformation continues through an expanded offering of digital services.
António Campinos, President of the European Patent Office
09:10-09:40
Quality as a shared effort between the EPO and the user community
Quality is part of a shared journey based on transparency and co-operation. Learn about how quality plays a role in everything the EPO does and how it is continually being improved through a variety of initiatives.
This session will cover quality topics such as:
- The EPO Quality Action Plan: An overview of the recently published Quality Dashboard, the impact of active search divisions, a study on third-party observations and a workshop on clarity.
- Stakeholder Quality Assurance Panels: An exchange between an examiner expert and external representative based on a specific file.
- EQE and European patent administration certification (EPAC): An interview with recently qualified members.
Moderator: Victor Veefkind, Patent Examiner Team Detergents, EPO
Roberto Vacca, Director Quality Management, EPO
Udo Steinhauser, Auditor, EPO
Valérie Mellet, European Patent and Trademark Attorney & CEO PATENT42
Dolinda de Proost, EPAC, AOMB
Markus Klein, European Patent Attorney, Preh GmbH09:40-10:00
Quality in our digital services, including MyEPO
Learn about the enhancement of our digital services and how quality is at the core of the EPO's ongoing digital transformation.
During this session you will hear:
- How digital transformation improves quality
- A roadmap of future developments
- An overview of the breakout sessions that will be held during the next two days
Yvan de la Fuente, Principal Director, Search & Patent Grant Process Products, EPO
Céline Fusil, Patents Manager, PfizerBreakout sessions
10:00 - 10:55
Online Filing 2.0 – the tool of choice for filing with the EPO
How to set up OLF2.0 in your company (in English)
This session for new users offers an introduction on how to set up and begin benefiting from the service.
Also includes a demo of the following forms:
- EP 1001: Request for grant of a European patent
- 1038: Letter accompanying subsequently filed items
Martin Adu, User Support Expert and Key Account Manager, EPO
Eimer Luck, Key Account Manager, EPOOnline Filing 2.0 – the tool of choice for filing with the EPO
How to set up OLF2.0 in your company (in French)
This session for new users offers an introduction on how to set up and begin benefiting from the service.
Also includes a demo of the following forms:
- EP 1001: Request for grant of a European patent
- 1038: Letter accompanying subsequently filed items
Serge Anni, Key Account Manager, EPO
Roberta Andreatta, Key Account Manager, EPO11:00 - 11:55
Online Filing 2.0 – the tool of choice for filing with the EPO (in English)
This advanced session for those who already use Online Filing 2.0 will cover following forms:
- EP 1200: Entry into the European phase (EPO as designated or elected Office)
- EP 2300: Notice of opposition to a European patent
- EP 3002: Notice of appeal
- UP 7000: Request for unitary effect
Martin Adu, User Support Expert and Key Account Manager, EPO
Eimer Luck, Key Account Manager, EPOOnline Filing 2.0 – the tool of choice for filing with the EPO (in French)
This advanced session for those who already use Online Filing 2.0 will cover following forms:
- EP 1200: Entry into the European phase (EPO as designated or elected Office)
- EP 2300: Notice of opposition to a European patent
- EP 3002: Notice of appeal
- UP 7000: Request for unitary effect
Serge Anni, Key Account Manager, EPO
Roberta Andreatta, Key Account Manager, EPO12:00 - 12:55
Online Filing 2.0 – the tool of choice for filing with the EPO
How to set up OLF2.0 in your company (in German)
This session for new users offers an introduction on how to set up and begin benefiting from the service.
Also includes a demo of the following forms:
- EP 1001: Request for grant of a European patent
- 1038: Letter accompanying subsequently filed items
Ulrike Engels, Key Account Manager, EPO
Christina ten Hövel, Key Account Manager and Patent Administration Expert, EPOAccessing online services using two-factor authentication methods (2FA) (in French)
For greater security and as part of the EPO's digital transformation, EPO smart cards will be decommissioned at the end of 2024. Discover how to use 2FA to access our online services, including online filing, MyEPO Portfolio and Central Fee Payment.
Catherine Humbert, IT Application Manager Front Office, EPO
Serge Anni, Key Account Manager, EPO12:55 – 14:00
Lunch break
14:00 – 14:55
Online Filing 2.0 – the tool of choice for filing with the EPO (in German)
This advanced session for those who already use Online Filing 2.0 will cover following forms:
- EP 1200: Entry into the European phase (EPO as designated or elected Office)
- EP 2300: Notice of opposition to a European patent
- EP 3002: Notice of appeal
- UP 7000: Request for unitary effect
Ulrike Engels, Key Account Manager, EPO
Christina ten Hövel, Key Account Manager and Patent Administration Expert, EPOAccessing online services using two-factor authentication methods (2FA) (in English)
For greater security and as part of the EPO’s digital transformation, EPO smart cards will be decommissioned at the end of 2024. Discover how to use 2FA to access our online services, including online filing, MyEPO Portfolio and Central Fee Payment.
Martin Adu, User Support Expert and Key Account Manager, EPO
Kieran Donnelly, Business Change Manager, Business Information Technology, EPO15:00 – 16:00
MyEPO Portfolio – latest developments (in German)
Our experts will explain the new MyEPO Portfolio features released on 1 April 2024 as well as the roadmap for upcoming developments.
Christina ten Hövel, Key Account Manager and Patent Administration Expert, EPO
Ulrike Engels, Key Account Manager, EPOMyEPO Portfolio: PCT Mailbox (in English)
Since November 2022, international agents involved in the international phase of the PCT have the option to receive EPO communications electronically through their MyEPO Portfolio Mailbox. This includes all communications from the EPO in the international phase, in instances where the EPO is not the Receiving Office but acts as the (Supplementary) International Search Authority or International Preliminary Examination Authority. Examples of such communications include the international search report and the written opinion.
This digital service not only reduces paper consumption but also ensures timely delivery of communications without the risk of loss through paper mail delivery.
This session is an opportunity to find out more about this service.
Richard Garvey, Key Account Manager, EPO
Elke von Brevern, Expert Patent Filing Process and PCT Affairs, EPO16:00 – 16:20
MyEPO Portfolio – Interacting with examiners through a shared area (in German)
In MyEPO Portfolio you now have a personal shared area where you can upload, review, edit and annotate documents together with examiners during a live consultation. This new feature adds real-time interaction to our online services, greatly increasing quality, transparency and efficiency.
- Wednesday, 12 June 2024
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Plenary sessions
09:00 - 09:05
Welcome and recap of day 1
Manuel Walther, Moderator, Patent Examiner Team Medical Injection & Infusion, EPO
09:05 - 09:40
Are you new to patents? Here's how the EPO is supporting the needs of SMEs, micro entities and private applicants
Topics include:
- Fee reductions, the latest changes and how to apply
- How our Deep Tech Finder helps you find investment-ready European startups with patent applications at the EPO
- The benefits of the Unitary Patent
Jeremy Philpott, Communication Manager, EPO
Carsten Wallenhauer, Team Leader Patents, Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft
Stefan Luginbuehl, Head of Department, IP Lab - Harmonisation, EPO
Cornelia Peuser, Observatory on Patents and Technology, EPO
Arndt Althaus, Partner, Patentanwälte Buschhoff Hennicke Althaus
Maria Chountoulesi, Intellectual Property & Research Liaison Officer, UNI-PHARMABreakout sessions
09:40 - 10:40
How to set up MyEPO Portfolio Mailbox and start receiving EPO communications electronically (in English)
Session for new users, walking you step by step through how you can begin using this service.
Richard Garvey, Key Account Manager, EPO
Eimer Luck, Key Account Manager, EPOHow to set up MyEPO Portfolio Mailbox and start receiving EPO communications electronically (in French)
Session for new users, walking you step by step through how you can begin using this service.
Roberta Andreatta, Key Account Manager, EPO
Serge Anni, Key Account Manager, EPOBusiness-to-business technical interface (API) for Mailbox and Online Filing 2.0 (in English)
Technical workshop
Learn more about the technical interface (API) that your IT department can use to automate the exchange of data between your IP management systems and MyEPO services.
The following APIs are currently available:
- Mailbox API for downloading Mailbox content, including documents and metadata
- Online Filing 2.0 API for submitting EP forms
Dirk Geivaerts, BIT, EPO
Stamatios Gkinis, Technical Application Owner, EPO10:45 - 11:45
How to set up MyEPO Portfolio Mailbox and start receiving EPO communications electronically (in German)
Session for new users, walking you step by step through how you can begin using this service.
Ulrike Engels, Key Account Manager, EPO
Bríd Murphy, Customer Services Officer, EPOMyEPO Portfolio – latest developments (in English)
Our experts will explain the new MyEPO Portfolio features released on 1 April 2024 as well as the roadmap for upcoming developments.
Kieran Donnelly, Business Change Manager, Business Information Technology, EPO
Martin Adu, User Support Expert and Key Account Manager, EPO11:50 - 12:50
Update on formal and legal requirements EP procedure and the implications for online services (in English)
Our experts will show examples of best practice for filing services, with a focus on the latest developments and changes in procedures and tools (including the digitalisation of the refunds process), to ensure quality throughout the patent process.
Christina ten Hövel, Key Account Manager and Patent Administration Expert, EPO
MyEPO Portfolio – latest developments (in French)
Our experts will explain the new MyEPO Portfolio features released on 1 April 2024 as well as the roadmap for upcoming developments.
Catherine Humbert, IT Application Manager Front Office, EPO
Roberta Andreatta, Key Account Manager, EPO12:50 – 13:10
MyEPO Portfolio – Interacting with examiners through a shared area (in English)
In MyEPO Portfolio you now have a personal shared Area where you can upload, review, edit and annotate documents together with examiners during a live consultation. This new feature adds real-time interaction to our online services, greatly increasing quality, transparency and efficiency.
MyEPO Portfolio – Interacting with examiners through a shared area (in French)
In MyEPO Portfolio you now have a personal shared Area where you can upload, review, edit and annotate documents together with examiners during a live consultation. This new feature adds real-time interaction to our online services, greatly increasing quality, transparency and efficiency.
13:10 – 14:00
Lunch break
14:00 – 15:00
PCT applications at the EPO (in English)
Following the PCT Mailbox workshop on Day 1, our experts will update you on the latest developments in the EPO's services under the PCT.
Christof Mathoi, Lawyer, EPO
Elke von Brevern, Expert Patent Filing Process and PCT Affairs, EPO14:00 – 15:00
Accessing online services using two-factor authentication methods (2FA) (in German)
For greater security and as part of the EPO's digital transformation, EPO smart cards will be decommissioned at the end of 2024. Discover how to use 2FA to access our online services, including online filing, MyEPO Portfolio and Central Fee Payment.
Christina ten Hövel, Key Account Manager and Patent Administration Expert, EPO
Ulrike Engels, Key Account Manager, EPOPlenary sessions
15:05 – 15:35
Unitary Patent – a success story
As the first anniversary of the Unitary Patent approaches, the high number of requests for unitary effect reflects users' trust in the quality of patents granted by the EPO. Discover how the Unitary Patent has already changed the innovation landscape and the crucial role it will continue to play in the future.
Stefan Luginbuehl, Head of Department, IP Lab - Harmonisation, EPO
Markus Grammel, Patent and law attorney, Grünecker
Matthias Sachseder, Deputy Director IPR / Head of Patents, Huawei15:35 – 15:40
Wrap-up
Steve Rowan - Vice-President Patent Granting Process, EPO
Speakers and panellists
- Speakers and panelists
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Victor Veefkind
Moderator, Patent Examiner Team Detergents, EPOVictor is examiner and opposition chairman at the EPO. Victor has been involved in tracking patents relating to climate change mitigation for over a decade at the EPO and spends part of his time working for the Chief Economist Unit.
Roberto Vacca
Director Quality Management, EPORoberto is Director Quality Management in DG1. Before moving to his present position, he managed a directorate of about 130 examiners and formalities officers in the area of Automotive Engineering. He has extensive experience as an examiner in various mechanical fields, has led technical co-operation with China for the past four years and has actively taken part in several quality projects, such as the working group on Strategic Quality and the pilot for Collaborative Quality Improvements. Before joining the EPO, he graduated cum laude in nuclear engineering at the Polytechnic School of Turin and worked in the aerospace industry.
Udo Steinhauser
Auditor, EPOUdo studied aeronautical engineering and began working with a team of 11 examiners at the EPO in 1999 in the technical area of gas turbines. For the past 3 years Udo has also worked as an auditor in the area of mechanics for the EPO's internal Directorate for Quality Audit. He has been involved in reviewing many of the Office's quality initiatives, such as the Stakeholder Quality Assurance Panels.
Markus Klein
European Patent Attorney, Preh GmbHMarkus received a Master's degree in physics from the University of Umea and a PhD from the University of Würzburg. After working in the nuclear energy industry for three years, he moved to the automotive supplier Preh GmbH in 2012. There he works as a European Patent Attorney in the patent department.
Yvan de la Fuente del Agua
Principal Director, Search & Patent Grant Process Products, EPOYvan joined the EPO in 1988 as an examiner. Later, he managed IT projects internally as well as in the context of International Co-operation in DG5. Yvan joined BIT in 2019 where he contributes to the digitalisation efforts of the Office, particularly as PGP Programme Manager.
Martin Adu
User Support Expert and Key Account Manager, EPOMartin is an experienced trainer who has worked in e-services at the EPO since the early days of online filing software in 2000. He provides specialist support to users in this area and in the use of smart cards. He recently joined the Key Account Managers to strengthen the team.
Eimer Luck
Key Account Manager, EPOEimer joined the EPO in 1992. For ten years, she promoted and supported the use of EPO electronic tools and services. Her main area of expertise became assisting users with accessing the EPO Mailbox and My Files. For four years, she worked as an Instructor for EPO formalities officers in patent grant procedures. In July 2022, Eimer assumed the role of Key Account Manager.
Serge Anni
Key Account Manager, EPOSerge joined the EPO in 2007. In his current role, he manages key accounts and provides support for online filing tools, EPO Mailbox, My Files and online fee payments.
Roberta Andreatta
Key Account Manager, EPORoberta joined the EPO in 2001. She became a Key Account Manager (KAM) in 2017 and primarily covers Italy, Germany and France. As a KAM, she follows and promotes technical progress in the area of the EPO Online services and supports users with their implementation.
Ulrike Engels
Key Account Manager, EPOAfter joining the EPO in 2000 as a Formalities Officer, Ulrike became a local procedural specialist and provided related training to EPO formalities officers. She became a Key Account Manager in 2014. Her accounts are located in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, the UK and Scandinavia. Ulrike has also been heavily involved in Online Filing 2.0.
Christina ten Hövel
Key Account Manager and Patent Administration Expert, EPOSince joining the EPO in 2003, Christina has worked as an expert in patent grant procedures and has provided training to internal and external audiences. As a Key Account Manager, she has supported EPO users with online tools and services since 2015. She has also contributed to various projects, notably the technical implementation of the Unitary Patent.
Catherine Humbert
IT Application Manager Front Office, EPOCatherine is the product owner of Online Filing 2.0 and she contributes to the digital transformation projects laid out in the EPO's Strategic Plans. She works with EPO experts and external users to build tools that better address user needs, including those of non-specialists.
Kieran Donnelly
Business Change Manager, Business Information Technology, EPOKieran is a business change manager for the EPO’s New Online User Engagement programme, supporting the evolution of the EPO’s online services for external users. He joined the Business Information Technology unit of the EPO in 2014, bringing a wide range of business consulting and IT management experience from both industry and government.
Richard Garvey
Key Account Manager, EPORichard joined the EPO in 1998. His main responsibility is to facilitate streamlined interaction between the EPO and its users. He also completed his legal studies with a Master's in IT & Telecommunications law, which complements his role as he provides user feedback for the next generation of EPO tools under the Strategic Plan 2028.
Elke von Brevern
Expert Patent Filing Process and PCT Affairs, EPOElke joined the EPO in 2008. As an online filing application manager, her portfolio included online filing tools for the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). Since 2015, she has coordinated the implementation of PCT-related projects at the EPO.
Jeremy Philpott
Communication Manager, EPOJeremy coordinates many of the EPO’s communication campaigns, which include the annual Patent Index, numerous aspects of the patent grant process and stakeholder communications related to the Unitary Patent. He also promotes the work of the new Observatory on Patents and Technology, including their economic studies, technology platforms and Deep Tech Finder. He conceived and developed the "New to patents" area of the EPO website, which provides basic introductory information to inventors, startups and SMEs.
Stefan Luginbuehl
Head of Department, IP Lab - Harmonisation, EPOStefan is Head of Department, IP Lab - Harmonisation (Dep. 5.2.1.2) at the European Patent Office where he is dealing with a wide range of patent law and patent litigation related subjects, with an emphasis on the implementation and monitoring of the EU Unitary Patent System. He was also instrumental with regard to the lately adopted new fee policy at the European Patent Organisation. He has participated in several diplomatic and intergovernmental conferences on the reform of the European patent system and the international litigation system. He is a lecturer in different universities and is the author and editor of several books and articles on patent procedure, including writings on the Unitary Patent system and patent litigation in Europe and China.
Stamatios Gkinis
Technical Application Owner, EPOStamatios began working at the EPO in 2017 as the project manager for Online Filing 2.0. Since then, he has remained in the Front Office team in various roles related to Online Filing, and he is now the technical application owner of Online Filing 2.0. Prior to joining the EPO, Stamatios worked in the private sector where he gained significant business knowledge around patents and trademarks as well as experience in the implementation of enterprise IT projects.
Bríd Murphy
Customer Services Officer, EPOAfter several years in customer service roles, Bríd joined the EPO to work in the filing office in Munich in 2002. In 2009, Bríd moved to EPO Online Services and has since been providing support to all kinds of EPO Online Services users on various technical, procedural, patent information and access matters. Since 2018, Bríd has been the team specialist for Mailbox MyFiles support and now also for MyEPO Portfolio.
Christof Mathoi
Lawyer, EPOChristof joined the EPO in 2011 after having graduated in law and business law. He works in the EPO's department for Patent Filing Processes & PCT Affairs where he mainly deals with the processing of patent applications in the international and European phase and related policy matters. Previously, he worked for ten years in the EPO’s directorate for European and International Legal Affairs. Christof is co-author of a commentary to the European Patent Convention.
Matthias Sachseder
Deputy Director IPR / Head of Patents, HuaweiMatthias joined Huawei in 2009 and is currently Deputy Director of the European IPR Department / Head of Patents. He has extensive experience in patenting work, patent portfolio management and IP management. As a German and European Patent Attorney, Matthias has extensive experience in proceedings before the EPO, including opposition proceedings, as well as in proceedings before national courts.
Filip De Corte
Head, IP Crop Protection, SyngentaFilip is the Head of Intellectual Property at Syngenta Crop Protection, overseeing teams based in Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, the United States and China. Prior to joining Syngenta in 2013, Filip held the position of Chief IP Counsel Europe at Cargill, where his responsibilities spanned patents, trademarks and IP contracts. Before that he worked with the Johnson & Johnson patent department. With a PhD in organic chemistry and an MBA, he holds a qualification for European Patent Litigation, is a qualified European Patent Attorney and has passed the US patent bar exam. He has lectured on IPR management at University of Leuven and currently serves as a lecturer in the CEIPI European Litigator Course, focusing on multi-national litigation.
Steve Rowan
Vice-President Patent Granting Process, EPOSteve joined the EPO in 2019 as Vice President for the patent granting process and as site manager for The Hague. After graduating with a law degree in the UK, he went on to help steer IP policy issues in government and serve on several executive boards.
More information
The link for streaming will be available shortly before the event.