Basic training in European Patent Law

The basic training provides future practitioners in the patent field with systematic and complete tuition on the legal basis as well as on practice in the area of European patent law. For many years now, CEIPI and epi have been jointly organizing a basic training in European patent law, principally aimed at future certified European Patent Attorneys.

The coordinator of the basic training is M. Thierry Debled, Associate Professor at the CEIPI.

Ms. Anne-Catherine Brunck is in charge of the administration of the basic training. She closely cooperates with the local course coordinators.

The basic training is designed both to facilitate preparation for the European Qualifying Examination and to accompany the practice of the profession: future practitioners should commence the course as soon as possible after joining a patent firm or the patent department of a company.

However, it is expressly recalled that the basic course can in no way be substituted for additional preparation for the European Qualifying Examination, but seeks rather to ensure acquisition of fundamental knowledge of European patent law and of its independent links with other systems at international level.

CEIPI is currently working on the adaptation of the future basic training courses in European patent law since 2024-25, to the new format of the European qualifying examination. The aim of this adaptation is in particular to align the organization of the basic training courses as closely as possible with the new Foundation Paper F, introduced in 2025, and with the eligibility criteria for this new exam paper.

In the meantime, candidates can still enroll for the courses starting fall 2025 or early 2026.

Every year the study guide is revised and adapted in function of the evolution of the law, case law and examination.

The list of topics to be covered encompasses the whole European patent law and qualifying examination syllabus and indicates the reference material to be used. The following topics are dealt with:

• Substantive Law: General introduction, Introduction to European patent law, Patentability, Right to a European patent, Rights conferred by a European patent and application, The European patent and application as objects of property, Information from the European Patent Office (EPO)

• Procedural Law: Procedure, Revocation and national rights, Community Patent Convention and other agreements

Several courses offer complementary activities, such as a visit to the Federal Court in Karlsruhe, the participation in oral proceedings at the European Patent Office, mock trials, courses on particular topics such as claim drafting, etc.

The tutors of the CEIPI International Section are mainly European Patent Attorneys (working for the industry or within patent firms recognized for their expertise in the field of Intellectual property) but can also be agents from the European Patent Office, the World Intellectual Property Organization or yet recognized experts in the field of Intellectual Property (Academics, magistrates or lawyers for example), from various nationalities and profiles. The diversity of their origins reflects the European and multidisciplinary character of the training.

During their annual two-day meetings in Strasbourg, the tutors exchange experience and work together on setting up methods designed to develop the most efficient possible training.

Anne-Catherine Brunck

CEIPI Section internationale
Université de Strasbourg

Bâtiment Le Cardo
7, rue de l'Ecarlate
CS 20024
F-67082 Strasbourg cedex
Tel. : (+33) 3 68 85 88 93
E-mail : brunck[at]ceipi.edu