Don't use the official printable version of the PCT Applicants Guide for the Pre- and Main Exams. It is 1800 pages because it includes all annexes. Much of it will never be required at the exam because it falls outside the syllabus. Candidates already have enough to carry – the ban on electronic devices during the EQE means that many will print out the whole thing to take with them.
Based upon the EQE Regulations, past D papers and comments from the D Examination Committee, I have produced this abbreviated version to lighten the load and to save a few trees. This is the most you should ever need. In addition, I have added several useful overviews from the WIPO and EPO websites which can speed up answering questions during the exam.
My book of about 850 pages is available free of charge to download here (Google Drive). Please feel free to pass on the links to anyone who needs them.
UPDATE: alternative location to Google Drive is on my website (scroll down to EQE training)
UPDATE: A version in French made by my colleague tutor Gregory Baque is available here. He also has a printable National Law which has been updated to the situation on 31 Dec 2016.
To save paper when printing, it is designed to be printed with 2 pages on each side of an A4.
Preparation
- Check the times: the addition of 30 minutes to each Main Exam paper has moved things around (the A-paper starts 30 minutes earlier!)
- Read through the rules regarding the conduct of the exam (page 38-42). See the warning here about possible problems.
- See what candidates from last year said about the location where you are taking the exam
- Be well rested in the days before the exam - many D candidates sleep badly on the Monday night
- Take a suitcase with wheels, and limit the books to ones you have used in the last 6 months of your preparation
- After doing the papers of 2016, look at the Tutors' Report to help with interpreting the EQE Compendium - source: epi information pages 14-23
- If necessary, look at some tips for reducing anxiety at the exam
- Be prepared to do the exams with a relatively small (possible as small as 60cm x 90cm) space. Normally, you can place books you don't need under the table.
- Look through the EQE Study Guide for other tips
General
- Photo identification (Passport or drivers license)
- several black or blue pens (we hear that gel-pens
are preferred, but they can run out quickly)
- no electronic devices: only a wrist watch with an analogue display (and without any additional options) is allowed on your desk during the exam. See the warning here about possible problems.
- make arrangements to leave your phone & laptops at home or in your hotel or in a train station locker. Or take an A4 envelope with you. See the warning here about possible problems.
- correction roller
- highlighters
for use when reading the exam paper (don't use blue highlighters on anything that will be handed in as it will not copy well)
- Pre-Exam only: 1-2 black medium soft HB pencils + suitable eraser + pencil sharpener
