The European Patent Office will host “Search and Examination Matters 2026” online from 2 to 5 February 2026. This free event, organized with epi, offers four afternoon sessions featuring 16 presentations on key topics in patent practice. A major focus will be on artificial intelligence and its impact on search and examination, including challenges in sufficiency of disclosure. Other sessions will address inventive step in graphical user interfaces and practical issues faced by professionals. The event encourages interactive discussion with EPO examiners and experts, providing a platform to exchange insights and ask questions. Sessions will not be recorded, so live participation is essential. Registration is open now, and attendance is free.
Upcoming Changes to DPMAdirektPro
Starting March 1, 2026, the revised version of the Regulation on Electronic Legal Communication at the German Patent and Trademark Office (ERVDPMAV) is expected to take effect. This revision will significantly impact how electronic documents are delivered via the DPMAdirektPro Electronic Mailbox. To ensure a smooth transition, users must take action now if they wish to continue using electronic document receipt under the new rules.
Under the new version of § 5 ERVDPMAV, electronic documents will be considered delivered on the fourth day after being made available for retrieval, provided the user has consented to digital delivery and understands its legal implications. The DPMA is in the process of updating the DPMAdirektPro terms of use accordingly. Users must grant consent for document delivery and provide an email address for notifications. Without these steps, access to electronic document delivery will not be possible after the regulation takes effect.
EPO Discontinues PACE for Search
The European Patent Office (EPO) has announced a major change to its PACE programme in Official Journal 2025, A69. Starting 1 February 2026, the PACE programme will no longer apply to the search phase. This decision reflects the EPO’s success in consistently delivering search reports within its six-month target.
PACE will remain available only for the examination phase, allowing applicants to speed up the issuance of the first examination report and communications under Rule 71(3) EPC. A revised Form 1005 will be introduced in 2026 for examination acceleration requests. Other acceleration options, such as the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH), remain unaffected.
Quantum Innovation
The upcoming EPO-OECD event Scaling up Quantum Innovation will provide insights on how quantum technologies are moving from theory to transformative applications. Quantum encryption and quantum computing (nascent fields during my PhD days) are now contributing to the next technological revolution. These breakthroughs promise to redefine security, accelerate computing, and power digital transformation across industries. The event will explore patenting trends, investment challenges, and strategies to bridge the gap between research and commercialization. It is inspiring to see how early-stage concepts have evolved into drivers of tomorrow’s economy.
Spooky Season Meets IP
Just in time for Halloween, the German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA) has launched an informative website that explores the intersection of Halloween and intellectual property. From eerie inventions to ghoulish designs, the site showcases real patents and trademarks that bring the spooky season to life—demonstrating that even ghostly gadgets and pumpkin-shaped candy carriers are protected by IP rights.
This initiative is more than seasonal fun. It illustrates how deeply intellectual property is woven into our daily lives, even in contexts we might not expect. Whether it’s costumes, decorations, or themed products, IP rights ensure that creativity and innovation are rewarded and protected. The DPMA’s Halloween page reminds us that behind many clever ideas there exists a legal framework that supports inventors, designers, and entrepreneurs.
In a world where seasonal trends quickly become commercial phenomena, the importance of IP is clearer than ever.
G 2/24 – intervener in appeal proceedings
As reported by the EPO in a Press Communiqué of 25 September 2025, the Enlarged Board of Appeal has rendered decision G 2/24 (“Skin cleanser”) that relates to the procedural status of an intervener in opposition appeal proceedings.
The Enlarged Board confirmed its previous decision G 3/04 and concluded that, after withdrawal of all appeals, appeal proceedings may not be continued with a third party who intervened only during the appeal proceedings (see the EPO’s Press Communiqué of 25 September 2025).
EPO User Day 2025
The EPO User Day 2025 is scheduled for September 23-24, 2025. This year, the EPO will offer dedicated sessions for SMEs and micro-entities, focusing on how patents can support growth and innovation. The event also offers breakout sessions for patent professionals.
Referreal on adaptation of description
As reported by the European Patent Office (EPO), questions relating to the adaptation of the description were referred to the Enlarged Board of Appeal (G 1/25).
It is the EPO’s practice that the description must be aligned with amended claims. I.e., when claims are amended, the description should be adapted accordingly to reflect these changes, avoid contradictions, and maintain a coherent disclosure.
At least one Board of Appeal has previously voiced doubts as to whether there is a legal basis for this practice, as previously reported in this blog section.
Considering recent case law from the Enlarged Board (G 1/24, point 20), it would be surprising if the Enlarged Board took the position that the EPO’s practice on adaptation of the description had no legal basis. The adaptation of the description also appears to be dear to many in EPO management, who seem to regard consistency of description and claims to be a KPI for the ongoing patent quality discussion.
EPO Case Law Book (11th ed.)
The EPO has published the 11th edition of the Case Law of the Boards of Appeal. The case law book (which is available in digital format only) is a great resource on the plethora of decisions rendered by the Boards of Appeal in both ex partes and inter partes proceedings.
New UPC CMS
The new UPC Case Management System (CMS) went live today. Entering the new CMS was smooth. Users can look forward to the integration of additional functionality into the new CMS in phase 2 of the roll-out.
Completion of the transition from the old CMS (which is still needed for most UPC CMS functions at the time of phase 1 of the new CMS roll-out ) might be a blow to companies that offer dedicated authentication and signature card solutions tailored for the old CMS.
