European Patent Office (EPO)

European Patent Office is an intergovernmental organization responsible for examining and granting European patents under the European Patent Convention. Established in 1977, the EPO provides a centralized patent granting procedure covering multiple European countries through a single application.

The Office conducts rigorous substantive examination to assess whether an invention meets the requirements of novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability. It also publishes patent applications, maintains patent registers, and handles opposition procedures after grant.

The EPO is headquartered in Munich, Germany, with additional offices in The Hague, Berlin, and Vienna. It serves applicants from around the world seeking patent protection in Europe.

The European Patent Office plays a central role in the European innovation system, ensuring high-quality patent examination and supporting technological development across its member states.

Resource: https://www.epo.org/en/about-us