Updates on the Use of AI
The Working Group of the Professional Conduct Committee on artificial intelligence has existed since April 2024. In the time since its inception the WG has produced the epi Guidelines on Use of AI and has witnessed several significant developments in the AI field. In this category one may include the introduction of so-called “agentic” AI tools, the founding of several new providers of tools and a deepening understanding, on the part of European Patent Attorneys, of what AI can and cannot do.
As explained below the working group is shortly to be reconstituted. The aims of the reconstituted working group are:
- Monitoring use of AI in IP firms (of all sizes) and industry;
- Monitoring use of AI by EPO, WIPO and national patent offices;
- Monitoring legislation and guidelines concerning the use of AI that is relevant for the work of EPAs (e.g. from professional organizations);
- Collecting and spreading information within relevant Committees; coordinating work by Committees;
- Supporting the education of epi members concerning work products generated by AI; quality and data security; awareness of the epi Guidelines; and the Institute’s stance concerning AI;
- Supporting the education of clients / inventors on work products generated by AI; quality and data security; and the value of patent attorney input;
- Maintaining contact with leading AI providers to the world of IP and promoting knowledge among such providers of key aspects of the Guidelines.
- Supporting the PCC in reviewing and as necessary revising the existing epi Guidelines; and
- Drafting statements of the Institute’s position on topics such as AI patentability, confidentiality of AI tools and the environmental impact of the technology.
Hitherto the membership of the WG has been largely drawn from the Professional Conduct Committee. There are however within epi many more “stakeholders” having a relevant interest in and expertise in the use of AI within the profession. The working group will therefore be reconstituted with a membership drawn more widely from within the Institute, and will function as a central hub for coordinating epi’s activities in the field of use of generative AI in the profession. The reconstituted WG is a joint proposal of the Professional Conduct Committee and the Online Communications Committee and was approved by Council at the Council meeting in May 2026.
Hence in addition to the Professional Conduct Committee, the Online Communications Committee, the European Patents Practice Committee, the Professional Education Committee and the IP Awareness Committee will nominate WG members. Also epi members who are not active within these Committees can apply to join the WG. The maximum size of the reconstituted WG will be 12 members.
The reconstituted WG will officially start its work after the validation of the Committee elections at the Autumn Council meeting in 2026. It is possible already now to express interest in joining the WG.
