Don't print WIPO Applicant's Guide for EQE 2022 - 2150 pages!

Every year, WIPO produces a printable version of the complete PCT Applicants Guide, including annexes for 154 States, specifically for the Pre- and Main Exams. Their 31 Oct 2021 version can be found here. It is 2150 pages and much of it will never be required at the exam. 

Providing a digital version has a low priority for EQE 2022, with resources being concentrated on improving the WISEflow exam interface. As noted in a recent post, online access will only be available to the www.epo.org domain during the exam. NO DIGITAL COPIES of other references will be available, and NO ONLINE ACCESS to other websites will be available. You also CANNOT OPEN any documents on your computer during the exam, so you will still need these PCT details on paper.

For many years, I have been making a cut-down PCT Global Reference to lighten the load and to save a few trees. Based on the syllabus, the Regulations, past papers and comments from Examination Committees, I have limited it to "only" 900 pages. There are also a lot of useful overviews from the WIPO/EPO website that WIPO did not include, so I have added about 300 extra pages, for a net saving of 850 pages. 

The latest edition is now available in two parts, and the links are here with my other study materials. The downloadable version is expected in Jan 2022. There will be two versions of the PCT Global Reference (31 Oct 2021):

• Two 16x23cm books (Part 1 & 2) for ordering. Both parts must be added separately to the basket. They comprise 1300 pages. After printing on thin bible paper, they weigh 1200g together, and are usually delivered in 10-14 days.
• Two A4 files (Part 1 & 2) for download. They comprise 1300 pages and are provided free of charge for own printing. Please distribute to anyone who wants to use them for any non-commercial and unmodified use.

New this year is that I have taken out some of the EPO-specific materials to make room for more coverage of the most frequently used RO's and DO/EO's, and more Practical Advices. These EPO-specific materials have been added to the separate EPO as a PCT Authority book which has been updated to the 31 Oct 21 status. 

The National Law & Validation book will no longer be produced. Access to www.epo.org during the exam will be available through External References, and online is the quickest way to find the required up-to-date National Law details. I have also moved Validation details to the separate EPO as a PCT Authority book which has been updated to the 31 Oct 21 status.

Hopefully, a digital version will be available for EQE 2023, or the syllabus will be officially limited to reduce the number of States that could be asked about.

Answering D1 Exam 2021 with EPC.App & PCT.App

While doing the D Exam as an official benchmarker, I kept track of how I used the EPC.App and PCT.App references to answer questions. I did this to check usability and completeness. Below are notes on how and where I found the main legal issues, so there are spoilers. The D Exam can be downloaded from the EPO Compendium. See also an earlier post with more about D Exam technical issues. 

I have not included my answers - these were made under exact exam conditions, so there are plenty of mistakes. I have concentrated on D1 use as you need to find things quickly. My main conclusions:

• Both books contained the legal info needed, and allowed it to be found quickly. Exception was Situation B of Q.5 - although this is unlikely to be asked again for many years, it can be important for real life. R.26.3ter is included in PCT.App, but we need to cross-reference that in other sections.
• The fastest way to search in EPC.App and PCT.App is to use the Detailed Contents. Based on your knowledge and the point in the procedure, you should be able to quickly see the most relevant provisions.
• The fastest way to answer PCT questions is to look for an overview of the procedure at the beginning of many sections.
• It is sometimes quicker to search directly in the Guidelines / Applicants Guides as not everything can be neatly sorted under the structure of a legal reference book.

The set of references I used was:

• EPC.App (IP.Appify) => EPC and Euro-PCT legal provisions, case law (Nov 20 - standard version from Amazon with the editor's annotations)
• Indexed EPO-EPC Guidelines (Fireball Patents) => EPC implementation by EPO, case law (1 Nov 19)
• National Law and Validation (Fireball Patents) => National Law tables (implementation by EPC states) and validation agreements (31 Oct 20)
• EPO as a PCT Authority (Fireball Patents) => Euro-PCT and EPO's PCT implementation (31 Oct 20)
• PCT.App (IP.Appify) => PCT and priority part of Paris Convention legal provisions (Sep 20 -  standard from Amazon, but printed with color mark-up made using Print on Demand option)
• Complete PCT Applicant's Guide (Fireball Patents) => PCT implementation by all offices (1 Sep 20)
• PCT References - Part 1 & 2 (Fireball Patents) => Most relevant PCT annexes (implementation by PCT states) and overviews (31 Oct 20)

To find things quickly:

• During study, you need to learn what each book contains and where/how to find it. For example:
• EPC.App is arranged according to Articles in numerical order, together with the relevant Rules. It has a Detailed Contents with the Articles, Rules and other contents like G-Decisions - this is the best tool to quickly scan through the contents if you are not sure where to look. There are also an Index of Legal Provisions to directly find specific Rules, and an Index of Decisions to directly find G, J , R, T & W case law. In general, the Articles and Rules of the EPC are arranged in chronological order as an application proceeds from filing to grant.
• EPO-EPC Guidelines are arranged in approximately chronological Parts as an application proceeds from filing to grant. Substantive issues, such as amendment and patentability, are arranged per subject. The Detailed Table of Contents is the best tool to quickly scan through the contents. In most other cases, you will be following a specific chapter or section link from another reference, such as OJEPO or EPC.App
• PCT.App is arranged according subjects in approximately chronological order, mirroring the structure of the WIPO Introduction to International and National Phases. It has a Detailed Contents with the Articles, Rules and other contents like Admin Instructions - this is the best tool to quickly scan through the contents if you are not sure where to look. There are also an Index of Legal Provisions to directly find specific Article and Rules. In general, the Articles of the PCT are arranged in chronological order as an application proceeds from filing to Chapter I entry, and from examination to Chapter II entry.
• PCT Applicants' Guides (Introduction to International and National Phases) are arranged in approximately chronological order as an application proceeds from filing through search, publication, examination to national entry. The Detailed Table of Contents is the best tool to quickly scan through the contents. In some cases, you will be following a specific chapter or section link from another reference, such as PCT Newsletter or PCT.App.
• To decide on which reference to use during the exam, determine: 
• EPC, PCT or Euro-PCT?
• More likely to be found under legal provisions or implementation?
• If more than one, which will be quickest to find?

My approach to D1: 

• I copied each question completely into the answer sheet, and only used occasional highlighting (this can waste a lot of time and does not generate marks). I left it in my answer just to have a copy immediately after the exam.
• CTRL-C and CTL-V (Win 10) were sufficient to properly copy/paste all D1 questions except Q.4 (needed to manually remove formatting and tidy up lines)
• I use 3 minutes per mark as a rule of thumb to quickly calculate how much time to spend. Traditionally, the D Exam was 330 minutes (3.3 mins/mark). This year, an extra 30 mins was given to compensate for the format (3.6 mins/mark). It is normal to run out of time answering D1 questions.
• There are no negative marks and no requirement to fully complete everything you start - you want to generate enough to get 55 marks or higher. Get the marks first for the things you know well - if necessary, skip a part of a question until the end.
• There is no time to read all the questions first, so I read each question in order as if I am going to answer it completely. If the question seems likely to take a long time to answer (or I have no idea), I skip it and go back to it at the end.
• it is very difficult under pressure to read, understand and apply something you read for the first time (or it seems like the first time)
• even if you think know the issues or can find them, you don't want to waste too much time 
• I identified EPC, PCT and/or Euro-PCT parts while reading
• I copied the last part of the questions ("the explicit questions") as a rough framework for my answer to make sure I didn't forget anything.
• I made a rough vertical timeline by copying phrases and putting them in chronological order (no need to make it nice - just understandable during the exam). I avoided editing by sticking close to the exact wording, although I did reduce some long sentences. E.g.: 
• -- EP-A1 was filed in 2018  A in English - X and Y, and claims invention X only
• --  A.94(3) issued by the EPO on 5 October 2020
• -- received by applicant A on 8 October 2020
• -- No response has been filed
• -- January 2021, he filed a European divisional application EP-A2 based on EP-A1 in French. claiming and describing invention Y
• For some issues I know well, I have an idea how to form the answer and select the argumentation to use. For others, it can be less clear how to proceed, so I just to start working on pieces (like calculating time limits) until a bigger picture emerges. In most cases, the overall answer to the question about whether something is possible or not is added at the end.
• Main part of answer includes identifying the correct law (legal provisions, case law and/or implementation) by citation, applying it step-by-step to the facts given and any other facts you can derive, and giving a conclusion as an answer (yes/no/yes if.../no).
• Be conscious of where you are in the procedure - certain conditions must have already been fulfilled (and thus are less relevant to discuss). Focus should be on the next few weeks and major actions required in the future. Assume that the case takes place on the day of the exam - here 2 Mar 2021. 
• At the end, if time, I check whether there are still facts from question that I have not used - these may need to be included somehow. But I am always trying to get to the next question, and often decide not to address these if I have already answered the question asked.

CLICK BELOW TO SEE THE DETAILS PER QUESTION/PART

Don't print the WIPO Applicant's Guide for EQE 2021 - 2070 pages!

** Updated: 5 Jan 2021 - download versions available**

Every year, WIPO produces a printable version of the complete PCT Applicants Guide, including annexes for 153 States, specifically for the Pre- and Main Exams. The 31 Oct 2020 version can be found here. It is 2070 pages and much of it will never be required at the exam. Hopefully, this is the last one as we transition to an online eEQE 😌. Note - Mock1 eEQE had no digital references. There was a weblink to the EPO EQE FAQs, so technically it is possible.

For many years, I have been making a cut-down version to lighten the load and to save a few trees. Based on the syllabus, the Regulations, past papers and comments from Examination Committees, I have limited it to "only" 800 pages. There are also a lot of useful overviews from the WIPO/EPO website that they did not include, so I have added about 250 extra pages, for a net saving of 1050 pages.   

The new edition is now available as 2 books, and the links are here with my other study materials. The downloadable version was completed on 7 Jan 2021. There will be two versions of the PCT References (31 Oct 2020):

• Order 16x23cm books (2 separate books). Printed on thin bible paper and weighing 1050g, and are usually delivered in 10-14 days.
• Download A4 files (2 separate PDF's). Provided free of charge for own printing. Please distribute to anyone who wants to use them for any non-commercial and unmodified use.

Uniquely, for EQE 2021 Main Exam, they will accept answers based on the 31 Oct 19 editions. So, these older editions are also still available for order or for download. See this blog post for more details on which version to use. 

According to the current EQE rules, only paper references will be allowed at EQE 2021. Hopefully they will make an exception for these PCT annexes. There are still no exact detail on what the exam portal will look like, so be prepared to have everything on paper.

I have also updated the EPO as PCT Authority and National Law & Validation books to the 31 Oct 20 status. 

EQE Paper D: optimise your marks for legal basis

Many candidates waste time perfecting and double-checking each legal basis. This is a poor strategy - a lot of marks are also available for correctly solving the legal problems, for explaining (arguing) how you have applied the law, and for the legal advice part. In many cases, an alternative will be accepted, even if it is a "lower" legal source.

It is much more efficient to understand the basic principles of what is required and what is typically accepted, and then be pragmatic. You should then note the best citations you find as you consult your notes and books when answering. If you think you are missing something, make a note and come back at the end if you have time left.

(1) Recognise and note expected citations: although different sources may be cited (and are always considered for marks), the markers are mainly looking for references to the documents listed in IPREE Rule 2 & 22(1) (latest version: OJEPO 2019, SE2 - see below for the syllabus provisions). Make sure you are familiar with the contents of these resources.

(2) Recognise and note the most important citations: hierarchically, Articles, Rules, & G-decisions are the most important, and the most likely to get marks. Whenever you notice one of these, ALWAYS note it next to the argument being made.

(3) Learn the most frequently required provisions by heart: if you can cite these without looking them up, you can quickly score marks. These are the most frequent subjects of the legal questions, and can be found in the D Examiner's Reports of the last 10 years. Additional tip: tab these provisions in your reference books as there is a good chance you will need them.

• EPC: A.14, R.3, R.6, R.157(2) | A.54(2), A.54(3) | A.65 | A.76, R.36 | A.87(1), A.87(4) | A.99(1), A.100, R.76(2), R.84(2) | A.108 | A.114(1), A.114(2) | A.121, R.135 | A.122, R.136 | A.123(2) | A.133, R.151 | A.141, R.51(1) | R.40 | R.45 | R.70(1) | R.114 | R.116 | R.126(2) | R.131(4), R.134(1) | R.137(5) | R.139 | Rfees 2(1)
• Euro-PCT: A.153(7) | R.159(1), R.160 | R.164
• PC: A.4C
• PCT: A.8(1), R.4.10(a) | A.11(1) | R.19 | R.54bis | R.80.2, R.80.5 | R.90 | R.90bis

(4) Note the sources actually used: your answer should be explaining to the marker how you get to your conclusions. So if you apply principles from any "lower" resource such as EPO Guidelines, Case Law, OJEPO etc, cite any relevant Article, Rules, BoA decisions, AND the source reference. 

(5) Note the legal principle that you are applying: in general, rules are required more often than Articles - this is because they implement the legal principles found in the Articles. "Empty Articles", such as A.80 EPC or A.120 EPC are not required for full marks.

(6) Stop citing when the number of citations matches the number of marks: as a general rule of thumb, a statement is required with a supporting legal basis citation for each mark. So an 8 mark question requires approx. 8 citations for full marks.

(7) Cite alternative sources and unexpected documents when relevant: if you have nothing better quickly available, cite it. The marker will consider it, and use discretion. For example, a Guideline reference summarising a BoA decision is usually accepted instead the decision number. Using an exact word or phrase from a legal provision or case law (such as "accompanying person") may also be accepted as proof of the correct legal basis.

(8) Be aware that many PCT resources are not expected: the only PCT Guideline expected is GL/PCT-EPO (added in 2017 to IPREE Rule 22(1)). EQE 2019 was the first D Paper where a citation was expected for full marks. Unfortunately, these EPO-PCT Guidelines are not sufficient on their own for preparation or answering at the Exam - it is not complete (it does not cover EP entry at all), and in many sections, it just refers to parts of other documents. You should still know this document in detail - it contains relevant information about EPO policies under PCT, and identifies further PCT-related subjects, such as PCT-Direct or PPH, which may be asked in the D Paper.

(9) ... but still use the other PCT resources to answer questions: and cite when relevant. Applicant's Guide AG-IP & AG-NP and Euro-PCT Guide (EPG) are much more useful for studying and answering at the Exam. But, when answering with these "alternative sources", cite any relevant Article, Rules, BoA decisions, as well as the source actually used to answer.

(10) leave a comment below with your tip #10

Click for the relevant REE legal provisions

National Law & Validation for EQE 2020

For the D paper, it is important to have up-to-date details from the National Law tables, particularly if there is a DI question on the translation requirements after grant, for example.

Unfortunately, the printed version of the National Law book is no longer available from the EPO. The latest version from Oct 2019 (360 pages) is here and can be printed on A4 paper yourself. But, not everyone likes the horizontal tables, and the small font makes it difficult to read if printed on A5 paper.

I have produced an up-to-date version using the latest info from the EPO website. Tables I and VIII are irrelevant for the EQE, so leaving them out saves 150 pages. I have added an index, page numbers and included the validation overviews published in the OJEPO for Morocco, Moldova, Tunisia and Cambodia.
New this year: the page size is 10% bigger to improve readability; the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (MK) is now North Macedonia (MK); and mention is made of Georgia (GE) signing a validation agreement on 31-10-19, but it is not yet in force.

My book is 380 pages, 160 x 230mm x 12mm, 375g, printed on thin (50g paper) double-sided paper. The link is on my patent firm's website.

Most of the contents are sourced from EPO websites and Official Journal, and no copyright is claimed for these parts.

Good luck at the EQE,
Pete Pollard

Stand-alone book version of EPC.App available through Amazon

The IP.appify platform allows you to fine tune and build your own legal reference for both EPC and PCT, that will never be outdated.
As an alternative to working on-line, the EPC part is also available as a stand-alone book with basic author's comments (and cross-references) on Amazon (.de or .com or .co.uk)
UPDATE: Nov 2019 version now available in English or German at Amazon UK or Amazon DE

This basic version already includes enough comments and references to answer most of the questions at the EQE if you have studied, and are familiar enough with the law to be able to find relevant articles and rules. See my review of last year's edition, which I used to answer the EQE 2019 D paper. It should preferably be further annotated during study before the exam.

This does not include PCT.
UPDATE: PCT is now available both on-line and as a stand-alone book. The PCT book is more extensively annotated, with more explanations than the EPC book. It is intended as a book for daily practice, or for studying in preparation for the EQE. It is also suitable for using at the EQE as the logical structure allows the relevant parts of the law to be found quickly.

Review: using EPC.App for Paper D - EQE 2019

I was immediately enthusiastic about EPC.App as it supports different uses by different types of candidate. To answer legal questions efficiently, you need to be able to find details (like procedural acts, time limits & references) quickly and accurately. Traditionally, either you make your own reference book or you learn to use (& annotate) a book written by someone else.
EPC.App supports both approaches and everything in-between: a digital, cross-referenced version of the EPC is provided with extensive standard notes, mark-up and comments from the editors. The standard notes were used by them to pass their EQE's, and also include links to Articles & Rules, OJEPO's, case law & guidelines.
The main structure is based on the Articles, followed by the relevant Rules. As you study on-line, hyperlinks allow you to open the resources, to make summaries and to add your own annotations. Standard notes can be hidden, so you can create a reference only covering the issues that you have difficulty with. If you need more explanation, you can make it and add it yourself. And you can put annotations next to the Article and/or Rule that you think is most logical. Just before the exam, you export it as a pdf and print it. As it becomes your reference, you can find the details a lot quicker at the exam.
To try out the book, I used only the standard EPC author's notes for the benchmarking of Paper D in 2019. See below for more details of the version I used, what I quickly found and what I did not find. PCT was not included in 2019 editions, but I am working with the editors to make PCT.App, which will be available for EQE 2020.
** Update 1 Oct 2019: 1st edition of PCT.App now available on-line, updated stand-alone EPC.App book available

The thin paper is available again

Good news - for new orders of my Study Materials, the following will be printed on thin (50g) paper:

• Indexed EPO Guidelines - 21cm x 14cm (A5) - 2.8cm thick - 920 pages - 730g
• PCT Refs for EQE 2019 - Part I - 21cm x 14cm (A5) - 1.5cm thick - 350 pages - 290g
• PCT Refs for EQE 2019 - Part II - 21cm x 14cm (A5) - 2cm thick - 550 pages - 455g
• National Law & Validations - EQE 2019 - 21cm x 14cm (A5) - 1.4cm thick - 430 pages - 355g

My printable National Law Book for EQE2019

For the D paper, it is important to have up-to-date details from the tables, particularly if there is a DI question on the translation requirements after grant, for example.

Unfortunately, the printed version of the National Law book is no longer available from the EPO. The latest version from Oct 2018 (360 pages) is here and can be printed on A4 paper yourself. But, not everyone likes the horizontal tables, and the small font makes it difficult to read if printed on A5 paper.

I have produced an up-to-date printable version - downloadable from my patent firm's website - using the latest information from the EPO website which has a bigger font. Tables I and VIII are irrelevant for the EQE, so leaving them out saves 150 pages. I have added an index, page numbers and included the validation information published in the OJEPO for Morocco, Moldova, Tunisia and Cambodia.
New this year: headers on each page indicating the table shown, better formatting, additional banners to show the different sections of the tables, and a useful overview of states showing dates of accession to Paris, EPC, PCT, PCT national entry time limits, whether PCT national routes are closed and whether validation is automatic after grant. The EPO has also added a new table VI. B renewal fees after successful petition for review.

My book is 430 pages - to save paper when printing, it should be printed with 2 pages on each side of an A4.

For those who cannot easily print out several hundred pages, you can also order a copy on double-sided A5 paper.
Update (17/1/19): the thin paper is availabe for new orders. See the links on my patent firm's website.

Most of the contents are sourced from EPO websites and Official Journal, and no copyright is claimed for these parts.

Good luck at the EQE,
Pete Pollard

New innovations to learn patent law

Two websites offering something new to help students - online tools that you can access anywhere at any time, so you can study when it is most convenient:

1. EPC.App
A very smart way to allow you to annotate the EPC. You can use the existing annotations and comments from the authors, adapt them as you wish and add your own. So, you can add extra comments about things you have difficulty with, or short answer templates for things asked frequently on the exam. You access your version on-line from any device, and when you are getting close to the exam, you make a pdf and print it. The law is updated twice a year, so you can keep using it after the exam as well. It also solves the problem you have updating your legal book when studying over two years (Pre-Exam then Main Exam). The standard price is comparable (in some cases cheaper) than buying a legal book each year, but they do have a Student Edition which is free for EQE candidates until 31-03-2019. It is available in English and German.

2. Practice for the EQE
Test yourself with questions about EPC & PCT. The best way to learn the law is to learn it in pieces, and to work on it frequently. This an easy-to-use platform that allows you to test your legal knowledge and keep track of your progress. The questions are asked in different ways, so you can try different styles. It is accessible on-line on any device. The instant feedback and oveviews of what you got wrong means you can concentrate on those areas the next time you go through it. They are still adding content, but there is currently no charge to use what they have. 

My printable National Law Book for EQE2018

For the exam, it is important to have up-to-date details from the tables, particularly if there is a DI question on the translation requirements after grant, for example.

Unfortunately, the printed version of the National Law book is no longer available. The last version from Oct 2017 (355 pages) can be found here and can be printed on A4 paper yourself. But, not everyone likes the horizontal tables, and the small font makes it difficult to read if printed on A5 paper.

I have produced an up-to-date printable version - downloadable from my patent firm's website - using the latest information from the EPO website which has a bigger font. Tables I and VIII are irrelevant for the EQE, so leaving them out saves 150 pages. I have added an index, and also included the validation information published in the OJEPO for Morocco & Moldova.

My book is 456 pages - unfortunately, it is difficult to further reduce the length due to the way that the EPO website generates the printable pages. Unfortunately, it is difficult to further reduce the length due to the way the EPO website generates printable pages. So either you use this, or print the official one (355 pages) on A4 paper. Feel free to pass on the link to anyone who needs it. To save paper when printing, it should be printed with 2 pages on each side of an A4.

As I have included information on the validation states, I have titled the book "National Law and Validation Agreements".

• Tables I and VIII are irrelevant for the EQE, so leaving them out saves 150 pages. 
• I have added an index with some reminders about what is in each table
• I have added some legal basis
• I have included the validation information published in the OJEPO for Morocco & Moldova which has not yet been added to the on-line version of the tables.

Suggested list of books and other things to take to the Pre-Exam - EQE 2014 [updated]

Preparation
- Read through the rules regarding the conduct of the exam (page 41-46)
- See what candidates from last year said about the location where you are taking the exam
- Be prepared to score 70 points to pass
- Take a suitcase with wheels
- After doing last years paper, look at the Tutors Report - epi infomation pages 143-152
- 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)
- 1-2 black medium soft HB pencils + suitable eraser + pencil sharpener
- no electronic devices: only an analogue wrist watch with no additional options is allowed.
- highlighters for use when reading the exam paper (don't use highlighters on the answer sheet)

Suggested list of books and other things to take to the Main Exam - EQE 2014 [Updated]

Preparation
- Read through the rules regarding the conduct of the exam (page 41-46)
- 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
- After doing last years papers, look at the Tutors Report - epi infomation pages 143-152
- 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)
- no electronic devices: only an analogue wrist watch with no additional options is allowed.
- correction roller
- highlighters for use when reading the exam paper (don't use blue on anything that will be handed in as it will not copy well)

Alternative zum Vorbereitungsseminar für die Prüfungsaufgabe D in Strasbourg - EEP (EQE) 2014

CEPI bietet jedes Jahr im Januar ein fünftägiges Seminar zur Vorbereitung der Prüfungsaufgabe D an. Als Alternative hierzu bietet DeltaPatents ein viertägiges Seminar auf Deutsch und Englisch in München und Eindhoven an. In diesem Seminar lernen Sie, wie Sie DI und DII Fragen effizient beantworten und dabei eine möglichst hohe Punktzahl erzielen.

Sie beantworten selbstständig die DI und DII Fragen und der Tutor nimmt sich anschliessend die Zeit, die korrekten Antworten im Detail mit Ihnen gemeinsam zu erarbeiten und zu besprechen. Somit können Sie Ihre Methode, wie Sie an DI und DII Fragen herangehen, optimieren. Es wird auch besprochen, wie Sie geschickt die Zeit zwischen DI und DII Fragen aufteilen können. Ausserdem erhalten sie komplette Modelllösungen für alle in dem Seminar behandelten Fragen, sodass Sie sich die im Unterricht erarbeiteten Lösungen zu Hause noch einmal im Detail und in Ruhe anschauen können. Uns ist es wichtig, mit Ihnen nicht nur möglichst viele Aufgaben zu üben, sondern Ihnen auch Ihre Schwachpunkte bei der Beantwortung der Fragen zu zeigen und Ihnen ein Rüstzeug an die Hand zu geben, wie Sie auch unter Prüfungsbedinungen effizient DI und DII Fragen beantworten können.

Als Beispiele für DII Fragen verwenden wir die DII Aufgabe von 2013 und eine modifizierte 3 Stunden Version der DII Aufgabe von 2012. Zusätzlich werden wir in diesem Seminar auch ausgewählte DI Fragen von 2012 und 2013 beantworten zusammen mit von uns gestellten DI Aufgaben, die auf Änderungen des EPÜ und PCT gerichtet sind und wahrscheinlichin der EEP (EQE) 2014 gestellt werden.

Hier sind unsere Kursdaten:

• 21. bis 24. Januar 2014 in Eindhoven (Englisch)
• 27. bis 30. Januar 2014 in München (Deutsch)

Alternative to Preparatory Seminar for Paper D in Strasbourg - EQE / EEP / EEQ 2014

Every year, CEIPI arranges the Preparatory Seminars for Paper D in January.
For those looking for a more exam-oriented approach, we now offer a new 4-day Guided Trial Run course.

At the exam, you need to optimize the points scored for the things that you know. Not only do we deal with legal issues, but we also guide you through the DI and DII parts to show you how they can be answered at the exam - from the question through to a good answer. We give you the chance to practice on your own, with an interactive discussion of the answers - not only of the legal points, but also style and brevity. We also practice dividing the time between the DI and DII parts, and we will discuss what to take to the exam.

You will get our full model solutions for all questions used. We will use the DII of 2013, and a modified 3 hour version of the DII 2012 paper. We will also use DI questions from 2012 and 2013, along with new EQE-like questions directed to recent EPC and PCT legal changes that are likely to be asked at the EQE / EEP / EEQ 2014.


It will be given twice:

• in English in Eindhoven  (21 - 24 January 2014)
• in German in Munich (27 - 30 January 2014)

More details here.

Improved EPO Guidelines index available

The Academy has now made an improved index available for the Guidelines (for the version of April 2010)

Importantly, the references are now to paragraphs instead of page numbers, so it will work with all language editions, not just the English ones.

So print it out and take it to the exam - many aspects of EQE answers are in the Guidelines.

EPO makes their legal texts printable

Good news for anyone needing to print out the HTML on the EPO website - the EPO has introduced a new print option.
Currently only for EPC, Guidelines, National law, How to Get - Part I and Case Law, I expect this to be expanded in the future.
This solves a lot of problems for the EPO in keeping legal information up to date. By only providing up to date HTML, users can decide to either use it on-line or print it out.

Bookmark this great reference version of the EPC

It has been a while since I looked at the EPO's html version of the EPC.
Today I noticed a couple of features which are useful for daily practice:

1. A hyperlinked EPC2000 => EPC1973 cross-reference table. For example, for the Rules
2. For each article and rule, an overview of recent changes to that provision, and hyperlinks to the apropriate decision of the Administrative Council. For example, R.71

Unfortunately, you cannot use this on the EQE, but it may help when studying.