EQE Training Cources in Maastricht
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 during the course to reduce the books needed and to facilitate electronic note-taking.
If possible, the workshops will take place live in Maastricht. However, if necessary or preferable, the workshops may take place via Zoom.
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.
Of course, the tutors closely follow all developments in the EQE. The methodologies are continuously adapted to accommodate for such developments, including the e-EQE and the new exam format in which some of the papers are split up into multiple parts. But also more subtle changes in the structure of the exams and/or the desired answering structure are taken into account.
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 8 and Tuesday 9 November 2021. Online learning trajectory: from November 2021 to March 2022: about 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 10 November 2021. Online learning trajectory: from November 2021 to March 2022: about 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 22 - Wednesday 24 November 2021. Online learning trajectory: from November 2021 to March 2022: about 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 25 - Wednesday 27 October 2021. Online learning trajectory: from October 2021 to March 2022: about 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 11 - Wednesday 13 October 2021. Online learning trajectory: from October 2021 to March 2021: 2022 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.
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.
