2025 cycle of SACEPO user consultation meetings commences

The EPO has received positive user feedback on its proposals to transition to an electronic patent granting process by 2027. The proposals were discussed at the first of this year’s meetings of the Standing Advisory Committee before the EPO (SACEPO), which focussed on leveraging the full benefits of digital transformation. 

On 12 March 2025, the SACEPO Working Party on Rules convened to discuss plans and proposals for changes to the EPC Implementing Regulations. The focus was on changes related to the digital transformation and simplification of the patent granting process, a central component of the EPO’s Strategic Plan 2028 (SP2028).

Towards a paperless patent granting process (PGP)

User representatives have been closely involved in efforts that commenced in 2020 to develop a series of proposed legal changes that will enable users and the EPO to leverage the full benefits of the latest developments in digital technologies. The legal changes are grouped in so-called “baskets.” In a discussion of measures to be implemented later this year from the second basket, SACEPO members welcomed the aim of introducing DOCX filing and colour support. The meeting also marked the start of extensive user consultations on the third basked of legal changes, which will lead to a paperless PGP by the first half of 2027.

Timeliness and the programme for accelerated prosecution of European patent applications (PACE)

The Office provided updates on the PACE programme and emphasised the programme’s benefits. It was explained that PACE requests for search proceedings are not currently necessary due to strong search timeliness. SACEPO members then discussed search timeliness in more detail, with a focus on Euro-PCT applications, outliers and divisionals. The Office reaffirmed its commitment to timely searches under SP2028, referencing key performance indicators and the new divisional statistics included in the Quality Report 2023.

Impact of the EU sanctions against Russia on European patent and Unitary Patent procedures

Members were also updated on the implementation of the 14th package of EU sanctions against Russia, as far as EP and UP procedures are concerned.

Gender-neutral language in the legal framework of the European Patent Convention (EPC)

Members reported on the positive reactions from the user community at large, following the introduction of gender-neutral language into the EPO’s legal framework.

Updates on renewal fees and the use of artificial intelligence

Plans to separate procedural and renewal fees in automatic debiting were warmly welcomed. Finally, SACEPO members were informed of the forthcoming launch of a pilot for AI-assisted minute-drafting in oral proceedings. Advantages in terms of timeliness and quality are expected, and members welcomed the EPO’s proactive and human-centric approach to the use of AI.

More on SACEPO meetings as one of several key user feedback channels

Regular feedback and suggestions from user representatives are critical for the European patent system to function smoothly and enable the EPO to improve its processes continuously, so that they meet users’ evolving needs. SACEPO contributes to the EPO’s ever-closer co-operation with the user community, enabling the Office to fully understand the challenges faced by all applicants and users.