Como, Italy - “How to survive when the European Patent Office (EPO) will no longer accept paper” patent applications is the principle theme of this year’s EPO Online Services Annual Conference, which will be held at the Spazio Villa Erba conference center in Como, 13-14 November 2007.
In the past ten years, the number of patent applications received at the EPO has nearly doubled. Given this influx, the EPO is preparing for this challenge in various ways; one of which is the transition to paperless patent applications via the creation of specific online tools and processes to ensure that the patent system remains a powerful engine for innovation.
Keynote presentations will be delivered by Catia Bastioli, CEO Novamont, winner of the “Inventor of the Year 2007” award, jointly hosted by the EPO and the European Commission, which honors inventors who have made a significant contribution to innovation in Europe. Other key presenters include Alison Brimelow, President of the EPO and Maria Ludovica Agrò, Head of the Italian Patent and Trade Mark Office.
John Bambridge, Principal Director Patent Grant Automation of the EPO will present an insider's view of the changes in patent processing and the new online tools available within the EPO when it becomes a paperless environment. Key seminars will discuss the issue of how applicants and representatives are to prepare for the transition from paper to electronic handling.
More than 450 patent professionals from across Europe will come together and discuss the latest developments in online patent management, patent information dissemination and the contribution of patents in European innovation and R&D.
The conference is of particular interest to patent applicants, attorneys and others involved in the protection of Intellectual Property Rights.
Press Conference
Hosted by: Alison Brimelow, President of the EPO and Maria Ludovica Agrò, Head of the Italian Patent and Trade Mark Office
Date: 13th November 2007
Time: 13.00h
Location: Spazio Villa Erba –Room C11
Registration:
