EPO User Day 2024

Plenary sessions

09:00-09:10

Welcome to our 2024 User Day 

2024 marks a pivotal year at the EPO and the implementation of various quality initiatives developed in collaboration with users. The Unitary Patent celebrates its first year and the path to digital transformation continues through an expanded offering of digital services.

09:10-09:40

Quality as a shared effort between the EPO and the user community

Quality is part of a shared journey based on transparency and co-operation. Learn about how quality plays a role in everything the EPO does and how it is continually being improved through a variety of initiatives.

This session will cover quality topics such as:

• The EPO Quality Action Plan: An overview of the recently published Quality Dashboard, the impact of active search divisions, a study on third-party observations and a workshop on clarity.
• Stakeholder Quality Assurance Panels: An exchange between an examiner expert and external representative based on a specific file.
• EQE and European patent administration certification (EPAC): An interview with recently qualified members.  

09:40-10:00

Quality in our digital services, including MyEPO

Learn about the enhancement of our digital services and how quality is at the core of the EPO's ongoing digital transformation.

During this session you will hear:

• How digital transformation improves quality
• A roadmap of future developments
• An overview of the breakout sessions that will be held during the next two days

Breakout sessions  

10:00 - 10:55

Online Filing 2.0 – the tool of choice for filing with the EPO

How to set up OLF2.0 in your company (in English)

This session for new users offers an introduction on how to set up and begin benefiting from the service.

Also includes a demo of the following forms:

• EP 1001: Request for grant of a European patent
• 1038: Letter accompanying subsequently filed items

Online Filing 2.0 – the tool of choice for filing with the EPO

How to set up OLF2.0 in your company (in French)

This session for new users offers an introduction on how to set up and begin benefiting from the service.

Also includes a demo of the following forms:

• EP 1001: Request for grant of a European patent
• 1038: Letter accompanying subsequently filed items

11:00 - 11:55

Online Filing 2.0 – the tool of choice for filing with the EPO (in English)

This advanced session for those who already use Online Filing 2.0 will cover following forms:

• EP 1200: Entry into the European phase (EPO as designated or elected Office)
• EP 2300: Notice of opposition to a European patent
• EP 3002: Notice of appeal
• UP 7000: Request for unitary effect

Online Filing 2.0 – the tool of choice for filing with the EPO (in French)

This advanced session for those who already use Online Filing 2.0 will cover following forms:

• EP 1200: Entry into the European phase (EPO as designated or elected Office)
• EP 2300: Notice of opposition to a European patent
• EP 3002: Notice of appeal
• UP 7000: Request for unitary effect

12:00 - 12:55

Online Filing 2.0 – the tool of choice for filing with the EPO

How to set up OLF2.0 in your company (in German)

This session for new users offers an introduction on how to set up and begin benefiting from the service.

Also includes a demo of the following forms:

• EP 1001: Request for grant of a European patent
• 1038: Letter accompanying subsequently filed items

Accessing online services using two-factor authentication methods (2FA) (in French)

For greater security and as part of the EPO's digital transformation, EPO smart cards will be decommissioned at the end of 2024. Discover how to use 2FA to access our online services, including online filing, MyEPO Portfolio and Central Fee Payment.

12:55 – 14:00

Lunch break

14:00 – 14:55

Online Filing 2.0 – the tool of choice for filing with the EPO (in German)

This advanced session for those who already use Online Filing 2.0 will cover following forms:

• EP 1200: Entry into the European phase (EPO as designated or elected Office)
• EP 2300: Notice of opposition to a European patent
• EP 3002: Notice of appeal
• UP 7000: Request for unitary effect

Accessing online services using two-factor authentication methods (2FA)  (in English)

For greater security and as part of the EPO’s digital transformation, EPO smart cards will be decommissioned at the end of 2024. Discover how to use 2FA to access our online services, including online filing, MyEPO Portfolio and Central Fee Payment.

15:00 – 16:00

MyEPO Portfolio – latest developments (in German)

Our experts will explain the new MyEPO Portfolio features released on 1 April 2024 as well as the roadmap for upcoming developments.

MyEPO Portfolio: PCT Mailbox (in English)

Since November 2022, international agents involved in the international phase of the PCT have the option to receive EPO communications electronically through their MyEPO Portfolio Mailbox. This includes all communications from the EPO in the international phase, in instances where the EPO is not the Receiving Office but acts as the (Supplementary) International Search Authority or International Preliminary Examination Authority. Examples of such communications include the international search report and the written opinion.

This digital service not only reduces paper consumption but also ensures timely delivery of communications without the risk of loss through paper mail delivery.

This session is an opportunity to find out more about this service.

16:00 – 16:20

MyEPO Portfolio – Interacting with examiners through a shared area (in German)

In MyEPO Portfolio you now have a personal shared area where you can upload, review, edit and annotate documents together with examiners during a live consultation. This new feature adds real-time interaction to our online services, greatly increasing quality, transparency and efficiency.

Plenary sessions

09:00 - 09:05

Welcome and recap of day 1 

09:05 - 09:40

Are you new to patents? Here's how the EPO is supporting the needs of SMEs, micro entities and private applicants

Topics include:

• Fee reductions, the latest changes and how to apply
• How our Deep Tech Finder helps you find investment-ready European startups with patent applications at the EPO
• The benefits of the Unitary Patent

Breakout sessions  

09:40 - 10:40

How to set up MyEPO Portfolio Mailbox and start receiving EPO communications electronically (in English)

Session for new users, walking you step by step through how you can begin using this service.

How to set up MyEPO Portfolio Mailbox and start receiving EPO communications electronically (in French)

Session for new users, walking you step by step through how you can begin using this service.

Business-to-business technical interface (API) for Mailbox and Online Filing 2.0 (in English)

Technical workshop

Learn more about the technical interface (API) that your IT department can use to automate the exchange of data between your IP management systems and MyEPO services.

The following APIs are currently available:

• Mailbox API for downloading Mailbox content, including documents and metadata
• Online Filing 2.0 API for submitting EP forms

10:45 - 11:45

How to set up MyEPO Portfolio Mailbox and start receiving EPO communications electronically (in German)

Session for new users, walking you step by step through how you can begin using this service.

MyEPO Portfolio  – latest developments (in English)

Our experts will explain the new MyEPO Portfolio features released on 1 April 2024 as well as the roadmap for upcoming developments.

11:50 - 12:50

Update on formal and legal requirements EP procedure and the implications for online services (in English)

Our experts will show examples of best practice for filing services, with a focus on the latest developments and changes in procedures and tools (including the digitalisation of the refunds process), to ensure quality throughout the patent process.

MyEPO Portfolio – latest developments (in French)

Our experts will explain the new MyEPO Portfolio features released on 1 April 2024 as well as the roadmap for upcoming developments.

12:50 – 13:10

MyEPO Portfolio – Interacting with examiners through a shared area (in English)

In MyEPO Portfolio you now have a personal shared Area where you can upload, review, edit and annotate documents together with examiners during a live consultation. This new feature adds real-time interaction to our online services, greatly increasing quality, transparency and efficiency.

MyEPO Portfolio – Interacting with examiners through a shared area (in French)

In MyEPO Portfolio you now have a personal shared Area where you can upload, review, edit and annotate documents together with examiners during a live consultation. This new feature adds real-time interaction to our online services, greatly increasing quality, transparency and efficiency.

13:10 – 14:00

Lunch break

14:00 – 15:00

PCT applications at the EPO (in English)

Following the PCT Mailbox workshop on Day 1, our experts will update you on the latest developments in the EPO's services under the PCT.

14:00 – 15:00

Accessing online services using two-factor authentication methods (2FA) (in German)

For greater security and as part of the EPO's digital transformation, EPO smart cards will be decommissioned at the end of 2024. Discover how to use 2FA to access our online services, including online filing, MyEPO Portfolio and Central Fee Payment.

Plenary sessions

15:05 – 15:35

Unitary Patent – a success story

15:35 – 15:40

Wrap-up