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Patent information centres (PATLIB) FAQ

Questions

How can a regional patent information centre become part of the PATLIB network?
Can PATLIB centres co-operate direct with the EPO?
How can I find a PATLIB centre in my area?
The PATLIB website does not provide any information about trade marks. Where can I find out more?
Apart from conducting searches, can PATLIB centres also draft patent applications?

Answers 

How can a regional patent information centre become part of the PATLIB network?
Co-operation activities between the EPO and the PATLIB centres are directed via the national patent offices. Once a regional patent information centre has been officially recognised by its national patent office it becomes part of the PATLIB network. It is then entitled to benefit from measures provided by the EPO to support the national patent information infrastructure.

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Can PATLIB centres co-operate direct with the EPO?
No, they should go via their national office.

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How can I find a PATLIB centre in my area?
For a full list of centres, please go to the PATLIB directory. This site is kept up to date by the centres themselves.

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The PATLIB website does not provide any information about trade marks. Where can I find out more?
The European Patent Office is not responsible for trade marks and is unable to offer advice in this field.

For more information, please contact your national patent office, any PATLIB centre or the Office for Harmonization of the Internal Market (OHIM ).

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Apart from conducting searches, can PATLIB centres also draft patent applications?
No. For such services you are advised to consult a European patent attorney . PATLIB staff are not qualified to draft or file patent applications. However, some PATLIB centres organise patent clinics where patent attorneys provide professional advice to the general public.

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