EQE Training Cources in Maastricht

C. Mulder (NL), N. Blokhuis (NL), N. Duhayon (BE), I. Surdej (BE) and J. Declerck (BE)


Since 2014, Maastricht University has been preparing candidates for the European Qualifying Examination (EQE). This training is for candidates who already have a basic understanding of European patent law. One of the cornerstones of our courses is the interactivity: two tutors and group sizes limited to 16 participants stimulate the exchange of ideas and learning from each other.

The Pre-Exam methodology encompasses a 2-day workshop focusing on Claim Analysis, followed by a 1-day workshop for the Legal Questions of the Pre-Exam. The training for each of the main exam papers starts with a 3-day workshop (A and B are combined). For each of the courses, we have developed new methodologies to solve the current papers using a pragmatic and efficient approach. After providing some background and theory, the most important aspects of the methodologies are illustrated by solving cases. Materials are provided electronically before the course to reduce the books needed and to facilitate electronic note-taking.

Following each of the training courses, access is provided to Maastricht University's electronic learning environment for online support from fellow students and the tutors all the way up to the EQE. The presentations, cases and model solutions are also available for subsequent study. Assignments are set to improve the skills of the participants and to boost their confidence. Discussion of experiences and possible answers are encouraged.


Training for the Pre-Exam

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 2 and Tuesday 3 November 2020. Online learning trajectory: from November 2020 to March 2021: 7 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. The one-day course will teach you a practical methodology for answering multiple-choice legal questions.

Workshop duration: 1 day: Wednesday 4 November 2020. Online learning trajectory: from November 2020 to March 2021: 6 assignments will be set out.

For detailed information of and registration for the Pre-Exam courses, see:
www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/education/course/eqe-pre-exam-training


Training for EQE Papers A and B

In Paper A, 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. The training covers the skills needed to tackle both electricity-mechanic and chemical aspects of the current combined-technology papers. The methodologies borrow from real-life skills and approaches to drafting applications and answering office actions to provide an intuitive approach. We apply them step-by-step as a group to A and B papers and cases covering combined-technologies, focussing on the parts of the answer where most of the marks can be gained.

Workshop duration: 3-days: Monday 16 - Wednesday 18 November 2020. Online learning trajectory: from November 2020 to March 2021: 8 assignments (1 A and 1 B case, 2 full A/B papers with combined-technologies, 1 full A and 1 full B chemistry paper, 1 full A and 1 full B electricity-mechanics paper); one of the assignments will be marked by one of the tutors.


Training for EQE Paper C

In Paper C, 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, which has been successfully applied by many of our previous candidates. The methodology will be put into practice with various example cases.

Workshop duration: 3-days: Monday 19 - Wednesday 21 October 2020. Online learning trajectory: from October 2020 to March 2021: 8 assignments (6 C cases and 2 full C Papers); one of the cases will be marked by one of the tutors. 


Training for EQE Paper D

In Part I of 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 into practice with example questions and cases.

Workshop duration: 3 days: Monday 5 - Wednesday 7 October 2020. Online learning trajectory: from October 2020 to March 2021: 8 assignments (6 with a set of Part I questions, 1 Part II case and one full Part II paper); one of the assignments will be marked by the tutor. 


Final face-to-face session

For the participants in the courses for EQE Papers A/B and for Papers C and D, there will be an opportunity to attend a final face-to-face question-and-answer session with the tutors in January 2020. The goal is to test exam readiness and to fine-tune the individual exam approach. In preparation, an answer to an EQE exam paper can be handed in, which will be corrected and commented upon by the tutors.

For detailed information of and registration for the Main Exam training courses, see:
www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/education/course/eqe-exam-training

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


Masstricht University

Cees MulderCees Mulder Nyske BokhuisNyske Bokhuis  

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