The Butterfly Effect of the Candidate Support Programme (CSP)
J. Gwilt (GB), Chair PEC
Recently the EPO announced the launch of a new edition of the CSP in 2025 which builds on the successful scheme which supported candidates for the European Qualifying Examination (EQE) between 2012 and 2025. epi is proud to be a partner in this project again.
As explained in more detail below, the benefits to candidates are significant and the eligibility criteria have been broadened to potentially allow candidates from all member states to take part. At the time of writing this article, the national offices of 26 member states have signed up for 2026 (see details here). Please check whether you or one of your candidates is eligible to participate in this exciting new scheme.
Reasons for the CSP
The CSP aims to foster a more inclusive, skilled and balanced patent profession across Europe. It was originally conceived to assist EQE candidates in countries having fewer than five EQE qualified European patent attorneys (EPAs) on the register. Over the years, 128 students from 18 countries have passed the EQE and many more candidates are partway through the EQE. The success of the CSP means that few countries now qualify under this criterion. Accordingly, in line with the Strategic Plan 2028, the new CSP has been redirected to cover two strategic priorities of the EPO:
- Quality at source: increasing the number of EQE-qualified professionals
- Gender parity: creating more opportunities for women to thrive in the patent profession
These priorities define two routes by which candidates who reside and are employed in a member state of the EPO that participates in the CSP may be eligible to enrol in the programme:
- Up to two candidates per year can enrol from countries having fewer than half of their EPAs who qualified by the EQE
- Up to two female candidates per year can enrol from countries where fewer than half of the EPAs are female
For countries meeting both criteria, there can be up to four candidates per year.
Tangible benefits to candidates
Candidates who are successful in being selected for the programme will receive benefits which include:
- Many hours of coaching in small groups
- Additional opportunities to interact with fellow candidates and
- Vouchers towards training courses.
The coaching is provided by EPAs from the Institute of Professional Representatives before the European Patent Office ( epi). If you are interested in volunteering as a coach, please watch out for further announcements.
Impact of the CSP
In preparation for the fiftieth anniversary celebrations of the EPC, candidates who had taken part in the original CSP were surveyed. The diagram below shows the key words that the candidates used to describe the scheme.
Many of the candidates commented that the programme was more than just about the exam training. For example, one candidate commented “CSP improved my life in so many ways that I could never have imagined before. It gave me legal knowledge, helped me pass the EQEs with flying colours, helped me get to know more patent attorneys. With the help of CSP, I got more confident, I was highly motivated throughout the 2 years, and felt that I became a part of the EPA profession”. Many also commented on the sense of community from being part of the programme. For example, “The CSP opened the door for me to epi and CEIPI, and made me aware of the sense of professional belonging throughout Europe. I was not the only one with this experience, and today it is a pleasure for me to meet CSP friends in epi Committees, epi Council, and even in epi Presidium.”
The diverse backgrounds of the candidates brought fresh perspectives and ideas and have helped enhance the profession’s adaptability. As a final quote: “The CSP program, is like the Butterfly Effect, you never know what is at the end as it has empowered members of the CSP countries, giving them a voice within the patent community.”
Practicalities
The selection and nomination of prospective candidates is managed by the national patent office (NPO) of the member state where they are resident and working. The CSP is currently targeting candidates preparing for EQE 2026 who are enrolled for paper F or papers M1 and M2. The CSP application process for EQE 2026 opens on 8 July 2025 and closes on 15 August 2025. NPOs will select candidates by September and CSP training and coaching will kick-off in October.
Please note that not all NPOs participate in the program. For the most up-to-date information, regularly consult the official CSP page on the EPO website.
For details on the selection process, candidates should reach out directly to their respective national patent office. In exceptional cases, candidates may also contact epi by emailing at info@patentepi.org.
