Speech of Mr Campinos (EPO President) to epi on the occasion of the 85th Council Meeting in Helsinki
António Campinos, EPO President
A very warm hello to everyone at the epi.
I'm sorry I can't be with you today, in person, for this council meeting.
But I wanted to take this opportunity to send you a brief message.
Firstly, to introduce myself to those who I haven't met so far.
And secondly, to underline the importance of cooperation between our organisations.
As you know, the EPO and the epi have a shared history - one which has existed since the very beginning of the modern European patent system, some forty years ago.
In this time we've worked together on many issues of mutual interest.
Through your presence on various EPO bodies - be it as an observer or active member - you've made many important contributions to the development of the patent system.
Particularly in areas such as training, legislation and the European qualifying examination.
Contributions from the epi have been - and always will be - much appreciated.
Because we understand that the epi's extensive membership means you're able to draw on a vast network of professionals - A network that has remarkable insight and understanding of both our users and the issues they face.
So we will always hold your contributions in high esteem, knowing that you bring expert views to the table.
Those views and your input are going to become more and more important as we look to develop the patent system in a strong and sustainable way.
As we all know, there are a number of challenges that we all have to deal with.
Some of them are a result of the good work has been done so far.
A functioning patent system with high quality IP - such as we have - is generating further demand for patents, costs need to be kept down and we have to work in a timely manner.
Some of the challenges are relatively new, such as the impact that Artificial Intelligence will have, or blockchain.
We can already see that they're going to have a profound effect on all those involved in patents - whether it's the inventors themselves, those who represent them or the Offices responsible for granting patents.
Just as the EPO itself was founded on the principle of cooperation, that same principle will be essential for facing these challenges and turning them into opportunities.
And that underpins my main message today:
We want to work more closely with the epi to see how we can ensure the European patent system continues to function effectively and can continue to serve our users.
Patent applicants - those you represent - have put their faith in both our institutions to deliver the highest quality patents in an efficient way.
To do that, we simply have to work together.
And there is one particular element of that I would like to highlight now.
It's already become evident to me that the epi has already become an ambassador for the European Patent system and, to some extent, the EPO.
So I want to propose that we can support the epi in various initiatives, which would help you to further develop and fulfil this ambassadorial role.
And, in addition, we could also work on other topics which are also important to our users, such as quality expectations and the development of your profession.
Both myself and my colleagues at the EPO are very much looking forward to the next stage of our co-operation. And to hearing your ideas and opinions on the various issues, so we can work with each other more closely.
I'm very sorry that I can't be with you today in person to explore these ideas further.
But I hope to attend one of your Council meetings next year.
In the meantime I wish you a very constructive and successful meeting.
