Basic training in European Patent Law
Presentation
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, Director of the International Section of CEIPI and Associate Professor.
Mrs. Anne-Catherine Brunck is in charge of the administration of the basic training. She closely cooperates with the local course coordinators.
Objectives
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.
Organization
The basic course usually lasts two years (except for a few intensive two-semester courses) and starts either in Autumn or at the beginning of the calendar year.
The courses usually consist of twenty sessions per year, of about three hours each, held at the end of the day, during which the topics and cases previously studied by the participants are discussed; questions are also answered and advice necessary for the following parts of the course is given. The success of the "tutorial" depends on the active co-operation of the candidates, through their own contributions and studies of the case-law.
In the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, the basic training courses are currently, and as long as this will be necessary, exclusively organized online. As soon as the epidemiological situation permits, a return to the on-site training format is planned, with the opportunity, however, of attending some of these courses online if interested candidates do not have the possibility to join an on-site course near their living or working place.
In addition to the existing courses, two courses in European patent law are organized exclusively online in English language. Both are now fully booked.
An online course in French language could also be offered if an important number of French-speaking candidates wished to attend.
If you wish to have more information regarding those courses, please contact the secretariat of the international section.
Content
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.
Tutors
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.
Terms
Forthcoming courses will open if there are at least six persons wishing to attend.
The annual fee is € 1 600 per year (Early bird: € 1 500 if registration before July 9th 2021 included for the courses starting in fall 2021 or before November 30th 2021 included for the courses starting in 2022).
The enrolment fee for the intensive two-semester courses is € 3200 (please see Early bird).
Enrolment deadline:
- for the courses starting in fall 2021 : 16.07.2021
- for the courses starting early 2022 : 16.12.2021
Contact person
For further information, please contact :
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@ceipi.edu