EQE training courses in Maastricht

C. Mulder (NL), N. Blokhuis (NL), N. Duhayon (BE), I. Surdej (BE) and P. Pollard (NL)


Since 2014, Maastricht University offers small-scale training for candidates preparing for the European Qualifying Examination (EQE). This training is for candidates who already have a basic understanding of European patent law.

The training for each of the papers starts with three days of workshops (A and B are combined), given in the historic centre of Maastricht. Various methods for tackling the relevant papers are discussed including coaching from the trainers. Access will be provided to Maastricht University's electronic learning environment for online support from fellow students and the trainers all the way up to the date of EQE. Assignments will be set out to improve the skills of the participants and boost their confidence.
In autumn 2018, we give preparation courses preparing for the Pre-Exam as well as for all four main exam papers.

Training for EQE Paper D

In Part I of the EQE Paper D, a set of legal questions have to be answered. In Part II, a legal opinion must be drafted following an inquiry from a client. An intuitive methodology will be taught for answering Part I questions and for analysing and preparing a response to the inquiry in Part II. The methodology will be put in practice with example questions and cases.

Workshop duration: 3 days: Monday 8 - Wednesday 10 October 2018. Online learning trajectory: from October 2018 to March 2019: 8 assignments (6 with a set of Part I questions and 2 Part II cases); one of the assignments will be marked by the tutor.

Training for EQE Paper C

In Paper C of the EQE, a notice of opposition has to be drafted following the grant of a European patent. In the course, a newly developed, simple and efficient methodology for tackling Paper C will be taught. The methodology will be put to practice with various example cases.

Workshop duration: 3-days: Monday 22 - Wednesday 24 October 2018. Online learning trajectory: from October 2018 to March 2019: 8 assignments (6 C cases and 2 full C Papers); one of the cases will be marked by the tutor.

For the participants in the trainings for EQE Paper C and D, there will be an opportunity to attend a final face-to-face question and answer session with the trainers in January 2019. In preparation, an answer to an EQE exam paper can be handed in, which will be corrected and commented upon by the trainer.

Training for EQE Papers A and B

In Paper A of the EQE, a set of claims and the introductory portion of a European patent application have to be drafted. In Paper B, a response to a communication from the examining division has to be drafted, while taking account of the cited prior art and the instructions from the client.

Workshop duration: 3-days: Monday 5 - Wednesday 7 November 2018. Online learning trajectory: from October 2018 to March 2019: several assignments; one of the assignments will be marked by the tutor.

For detailed information and registration, see: https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/education/course/eqe-exam-training

Training for the Pre-Exam

In November 2018, Maastricht University will offer candidates preparing for the Pre-Exam a training course focused on the legal questions as well as on the claim analysis part. 

Pre-Exam - Claim Analysis

The teaching encompasses how to apply the theoretical concepts such as scope of protection, novelty, inventive step, clarity, and allowability of amendments in a practical way to the type of questions asked in the Pre-Exam.

Workshop duration: 2 days: Monday 19 and Tuesday 20 November 2018. Online learning trajectory: from December 2018 to March 2019, a number of assignments will be set out.

Pre-Exam - Legal Questions

The legal questions of the Pre-exam require you to quickly and correctly apply your legal knowledge to a legal situation presented in each of the 10 questions.

Workshop duration: 1 day: Wednesday 21 November 2018. Online learning trajectory: from December 2018 to March 2019, a number of assignments will be set out.

For detailed information and registration,
see: https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/education/course/eqe-pre-exam-training

All course material and teaching will be in English.
The courses are given by a team of renowned teachers.