Today (30/11/09), the EPO published a draft version of the Examination Guidelines. These Guidelines are updated based upon the EPC changes scheduled for 1/4/10, and may possibly be updated again.
For those sitting the EQE in 2010:
The Chairman of the Examination Board has also posted a notice, stating very clearly, that the version to be used on the EQE2010 is the version of 1 April 2009.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Pre-examination for EQE 2012 possible
At the tutor's meeting of 6 Nov 2010, we were told that the Examination Board is aiming to implement the new pre-examination in 2012.
The idea of a pre-examination is to provide an initial test of knowledge and competence. Candidates may only sit the EQE if they pass this pre-examination.
The idea of a pre-examination is to provide an initial test of knowledge and competence. Candidates may only sit the EQE if they pass this pre-examination.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Remedies under PCT
PCT is rather compicated, which makes any overview particularly helpful.
I recently discovered this very useful document and presentation on the WIPO website.
In particular, the document (starting on page 27, has a very nice summary of "Procedural Safeguards for International Applications". Several of these have been on the EQE before.
I recently discovered this very useful document and presentation on the WIPO website.
In particular, the document (starting on page 27, has a very nice summary of "Procedural Safeguards for International Applications". Several of these have been on the EQE before.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Changes to EPC on1 April 2010 (1/4/10) will NOT be tested on EQE 2010
At the meeting between the tutors and the examination committees two weeks ago, it was clearly stated by the D committee that the changes scheduled for 1/4/10 will NOT be tested.
The exam tests the law on the 31/12/09 - the fact that these changes have been published in the OJEPO this year does not mean that they automatically form part of the syllabus.
That should make studying a little bit easier.
The exam tests the law on the 31/12/09 - the fact that these changes have been published in the OJEPO this year does not mean that they automatically form part of the syllabus.
That should make studying a little bit easier.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Compensation for re-sitters in EQE 2010
Last week, I was in Munich for the yearly meeting of EQE tutors and the examination committees.
One of the issues explained was the compensation system, and in particular the possibility to retroactively pass individual examinations.
It is probably easiest to explain by examples.
(F): fail / (CF): compensable fail / (P): pass
For RE-SITTERS in 2010 and beyond
One of the issues explained was the compensation system, and in particular the possibility to retroactively pass individual examinations.
It is probably easiest to explain by examples.
(F): fail / (CF): compensable fail / (P): pass
For RE-SITTERS in 2010 and beyond
Compensation for first time sitters in EQE 2010 and 2011
Last week, I was in Munich for the yearly meeting of EQE tutors and the examination committees.
One of the issues explained was the compensation system, and in particular the possibility to retroactively pass individual examinations.
It is probably easiest to explain by examples.
(F): fail / (CF): compensable fail / (P): pass
For FIRST TIME SITTERS in 2010 and beyond
One of the issues explained was the compensation system, and in particular the possibility to retroactively pass individual examinations.
It is probably easiest to explain by examples.
(F): fail / (CF): compensable fail / (P): pass
For FIRST TIME SITTERS in 2010 and beyond
Friday, October 30, 2009
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
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
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
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.
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.
Monday, October 19, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
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.
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.
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