Integrated Paper D / Paper C training for EQE 2011

Anybody looking for an efficient training for the EQE in 2011 should consider our 3 week course.
It takes place in Eindhoven during 3 separate weeks throughout the year, and provides an integrated D & C training, covering legal topics and methodology.
The weeks are 22 - 26 March 2010 / 28 June - 2 July 2010 / 27 September - 1 October 2010
More info can be found here

Books to take to the EQE, especially for D (4)

EPC1973 Guidelines, especially for prior rights


Unfortunately, the latest version of the EPC2000 guidelines does not contain all relevant infromation about the old law. Although the law as of 31 Dec 2009 will be tested in EQE2010, this does include any older provisions which continue to apply for applications which could be pending on that date. There have been questions on both 2008 and 2009.

The Examination Board announced in 2008 that it is up to candidates themselves if they wish to take a copy to the exam to help understand the transitional provisions - it is permitted. However, in the interest of keeping your EQE library as small as possible, it makes sense only to take the parts relating to prior rights.

Books to take to the EQE, especially for D (3)

Ancillary Regulations

Unfortunately, according to the EPO, this book will not be updated before EQE 2010. In my earlier post, there was a slight mistake - although you may want to consult the old book online, you will need to print it out (or order it) and update it your self to take to the exam.

EQE Forum - now running to help you pass in 2010

For the last couple of years, I have been involved with the EQE forum. Organised by the European Patent Academy, it provides an extra source of info and help for EQE 2010 candidates, especially those who do not have access to a tutor. See here

For example, we are supplying questions to be answered on the forum. Candidates can offer an answer for discussion. Our standard answers are posted, and candidates can ask questions on any aspects, such as why is xxx in the answer, why is zzz not in the answer, is the legal basis correct etc. There are also a general DI and DII forum which I am moderating (as POLLARDP) where candidates can ask pretty much any question at all on D, or on specific papers. The idea is that other candidates react and discuss, and I intervene now and again with my opinion.
The questions are posted every 2 weeks in groups of subjects, and cover (in about 120 exam-style questions) the major topics of the EPC and PCT.
There are plenty of other forums as well run by other tutors, so you can always get a 2nd opinion. There are even cases specially written by other tutors on the forum for extra practice and interactive questions. The EQE is a test of applying the law to the different situations, and not just looking it up in Singer/Visser/Hoekstra etc, so plenty of practice is essential.

This year the interface has been greatly improved, so have a look.

Books to take to the EQE, especially for D (2)

So building on the REE list, we get the following EQE library:

Legal texts in force on 31 Dec 2009 (probably in your reference books, but check they have all the protocols etc). This also includes provisions (and their transitional provisions) which have changed (such as on 1 April 2009), which may apply to EP applications pending around the time of the exam.

1) EPC - Articles and Rules and all Protocols
2) PCT - Article and Rules
3) PC
4) Rules relating to Fees

Click below for EPC & PCT books

Books to take to the EQE, especially for D

Recently, the EPO published a decision of the Examination Board here.
Under the new REE, the Examination Board were given the power to decide books and reference materials that candidates are allowed to use in the exam. They have basically decided not to restrict it, but this doesn't make life easier.

Candidates have to decide themselves what to take, and the exam committee is in principle not bound by any official list. Click below to see what the Examination Board officially indicates.

In a later post, I will comment on these and add some more.

When do you have to pay when you do early entry in Europe for PCT?

An interesting question:

I have a question about A153 / R159(1) that mainly concerns fees, and calculation of the renewal fee.

If I enter a PCT application into EP before expiry of 31 months e.g. at 25 months, I imagine the fees (e.g. filing fee R159(1)(c), designation fee R159(1)(d), search fee R159(1)(e), examination fee R159(1)(f), R159(1)(g) renewal fees) are due on (i.e. can be paid as from) the date of EP entry.

If some fees were not paid on EP entry, will the invitations to remedy (e.g. R160(1)) be sent (A) shortly after filing or (B) at expiry of 31 months?

If (A) applies, then will renewal fees R159(1)(g) be due on the date of EP entry, and the 6m period of R51(2) be calculated as from the date of entry? Or does the 31m expiry (and the +6m period from end of 31m R51(2)) apply still for renewal fees in case of early entry.

In case the former is true, the question also arises of the aggregate TL; probably it is not available when the renewal fee is due on early entry.

I checked Visser, it says that the EPC has no legal provision for early entry, and that the EPO will start processing after all the requirements of R159(1)(g) have been met. It does not say when periods will expire, however.

See my answer below - I would be interested to hear from anyone who already experienced this.