This year is a landmark year for the European patent system because it marks 50 years since the signing of the European Patent Convention. It was signed by 16 countries on 5 October 1973 and created the European Patent Organisation and the European Patent Office. This provided the autonomous legal system to grant the European patent rights that we are familiar with today. The founders’ aim was to create a cooperative patent system that benefited innovators, companies, and research alike.
Fast forward to now, and there are 39 member states giving applicants an efficient, single route to apply for a patent that can cover all of the member states.
Celebration Events
With such a significant milestone, the EPO are planning a series of events to honour the vision of the founding members.
So far, the list of events that are scheduled are:
- An international symposium - on 5 October 2023, fifty years to the day after the signing of the EPC, a hybrid international symposium will take place involving all EPO sites and many expert speakers. One aim of this event is to raise awareness of the latest advances in sustainable innovation.
- A documentary film - the EPO will release a documentary film and launch an exhibition about the EPO's history that will include a focus on the organisation's art collection.
- New artwork - new artwork will be unveiled in the EPO’s buildings as a tribute to everyone who has helped advance the Office's digital transformation in recent years.
- Educational activities – the EPO will make available educational materials for schools and children across the EPO's 39 member states, and a kids' collaborative art competition launched, to help spark young people's curiosity about the world of inventors.
- Diversity and inclusion - staff sporting events, which will be held internally with an Olympic spirit and a strong focus on diversity and inclusion.
Of course, there will be many other events added to this schedule, which we will report when they are published.
We are looking forward to the celebration events and to another 50 years of the European patent system. If you wish to view a more detailed timeline of the last 50 years of the EPO, please head to their website.