Novelty and inventive step (advanced level)

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Draft programme

Date

Start: 03.09.2012
End: 07.09.2012

Notice

SORRY THE SEMINAR IS FULLY BOOKED!

Location

Munich, Germany

Organised by

European Patent Academy

Working language(s)

English

Description

This seminar provides an advanced level training related to assessing novelty and inventive step. At the beginning of the seminar, a recapitulation of the procedures of novelty and inventive step assessment will be given, including special cases such as partial problems, alternative solutions, implicit features, selection inventions, and juxtaposition/aggregation of features. Reference to related EPO case law will be made. The seminar focuses on hands-on case studies wherein participants will improve their practical skills and knowledge in dedicated practical exercises. Different complex scenarios associated with the assessment of novelty and inventive step will be discussed, including the above mentioned special cases. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss related topics with EPO experts. The seminar takes into account different technical areas (chemistry, physics-electricity, mechanics).

Target groups

Staff of the national offices of the EPO member states

Level of expertise

Advanced

Medium

Classroom training

Objectives

On completion of this seminar participants will be familiar with the theory and practice of novelty and inventive step assessment. They will have practical experience and secure skills on how to make efficient use of the criteria used for the determination of novelty and inventive step, and will be able to confidently apply the problem-solution approach for the assessment of inventive step. The participants will be aware of related EPO case law, and will be able to confidently deal with special cases such as partial problems, alternative solutions, implicit features, selection inventions, and juxtaposition/aggregation of features.

Content

Review of novelty and inventive step assessment criteria
Review of special cases, such as partial problems, alternative solutions, implicit features, selection inventions, and juxtaposition/aggregation of features
Related EPO case law
Practical exercises related to assessment of novelty and inventive step in complex scenarios, including special cases
In-depth discussion of topics related to novelty and inventive step assessment with EPO experts

Prerequisites

Participants must have attended the intermediate level course OS14-2012, and/or must have a minimum of 4 year's patent examination experience. Furthermore, a very good command of English, both orally and in writing, is required.

Venue details

EPO Munich, Building PschorrHöfe/BA1-6, Room 3466, Bayerstr. 34, 80335 Munich, GERMANY

Contact

European Patent Academy
European Patent Office
Erhardtstr. 27
80469 Munich
GERMANY
Tel. +49-89-2399-4349
Fax +49-89-2399-5449
academy@epo.org