EPO and European Commission (DG Research and Innovation) sign landmark agreement

Steve Rowan, EPO Vice-President Patent Granting Process and Marc Lemaître, European Commission’s Director-General of DG Research and Innovation
The European Patent Office (EPO) and the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Research and Innovation (DG RTD) have signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to enhance their cooperation in knowledge valorisation and further promote efficient management of intellectual assets. The partnership will help the European Research Area (ERA) translate research into economic and societal benefits in alignment with the Draghi Report, which encourages technology to drive progress and tackle challenges.
Leveraging expertise to understand the innovation landscape
Over the past three years, the EPO and the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA) have worked closely in the transition and pathfinder programmes to help SMEs maximise their innovation potential. Through these efforts, both DG RTD and the EPO have seen the tangible benefits of strong cooperation, particularly for innovative SMEs.
Taking stock of these positive achievements, this cooperation agreement lays the foundation for joint awareness campaigns, training and events to highlight the importance of intellectual asset management, and initiatives to boost the potential of SMEs and start-ups. It strengthens the cooperation agreements between the EPO and key EU players, establishing DG RTD as the EPO's key partner within the European Commission for supporting Europe's innovation and competitiveness ecosystem.
Enhancing existing measures
When it launched in 2023, the Unitary Patent system marked the start of a new era in patenting, simplifying patent procedures and lowering associated costs. However, unlocking the full potential of IP for innovators requires integration throughout the entire innovation cycle, from project funding to commercialisation. This agreement represents a key step toward achieving that goal.
The EPO supports innovators through tools such as the Deep Tech Finder and free IP courses via its Patent Academy. Along with its Observatory studies, including upcoming reports on universities and innovation financing, these EPO resources enhance understanding of the EU's research and innovation landscape.
About the DG RTD and ERA
The DG RTD leads EU policy on research, science and innovation, aiming to boost competitiveness, address societal challenges and support the green and digital transitions. The ERA seeks to create a single market for research and innovation across the EU, aligning policies to translate research into economic value and ensure Europe's technological leadership.
Related items

Delegation from the Japan Intellectual Property Association visits the EPO in Munich

AI and intellectual property were key topics during the EPO’s mission to Budapest, where delegates joined a conference and held bilateral talks

Discussions focus on AI, the EPO’s Observatory and future cooperation

Co-operation with national patent offices and stakeholders: milestones to date and next steps

17.2 million patents in force worldwide – 91% are valid in one of the IP5 jurisdictions

First country in the Americas to sign validation agreement with the EPO

The agreement allows for fee reductions for small entities and fast, high-quality search reports for national applications.

Discussions on European innovation policies and the Unitary Patent

Updates on Unitary Patent, sustainability and patent law harmonisation

EPO President addresses international conference and meets with key actors in Austria’s innovation networks

Patent Prosecution Highway with New Zealand and Brazil from 1 December 2024

Continued exchange at annual meeting strengthens co-operation

Outcomes of first meeting with Adrian Howes, President of the UK industry association

State Secretary Schlunck attends ceremony ahead of the EPO’s move to new Berlin premises

Engaging with the EPO’s largest user group, celebrating 40 years of co-operation

Panel discussion and signing of new work plan emphasise joint efforts

Heads of office convene to agree Phase 2 launch of PCT ISA pilot project and sign 2025 annual work plan

Bilateral meeting covers quality, digitalisation, the Unitary Patent and FICPI’s 2024 initiatives

From 1 December 2024 users of the EPO-CNIPA PCT pilot project will pay the international fees directly at CNIPA in Renminbi

Trilateral Offices collaborate to advance UN Sustainable Development Goal 9 and awareness of IP management

Delegation from the Japan Intellectual Property Association visits the EPO in Munich

AI and intellectual property were key topics during the EPO’s mission to Budapest, where delegates joined a conference and held bilateral talks

Discussions focus on AI, the EPO’s Observatory and future cooperation

Co-operation with national patent offices and stakeholders: milestones to date and next steps

17.2 million patents in force worldwide – 91% are valid in one of the IP5 jurisdictions

First country in the Americas to sign validation agreement with the EPO

The agreement allows for fee reductions for small entities and fast, high-quality search reports for national applications.

Discussions on European innovation policies and the Unitary Patent

Updates on Unitary Patent, sustainability and patent law harmonisation

EPO President addresses international conference and meets with key actors in Austria’s innovation networks

Patent Prosecution Highway with New Zealand and Brazil from 1 December 2024

Continued exchange at annual meeting strengthens co-operation

Outcomes of first meeting with Adrian Howes, President of the UK industry association

State Secretary Schlunck attends ceremony ahead of the EPO’s move to new Berlin premises

Engaging with the EPO’s largest user group, celebrating 40 years of co-operation

Panel discussion and signing of new work plan emphasise joint efforts

Heads of office convene to agree Phase 2 launch of PCT ISA pilot project and sign 2025 annual work plan

Bilateral meeting covers quality, digitalisation, the Unitary Patent and FICPI’s 2024 initiatives

From 1 December 2024 users of the EPO-CNIPA PCT pilot project will pay the international fees directly at CNIPA in Renminbi

Trilateral Offices collaborate to advance UN Sustainable Development Goal 9 and awareness of IP management

Delegation from the Japan Intellectual Property Association visits the EPO in Munich

AI and intellectual property were key topics during the EPO’s mission to Budapest, where delegates joined a conference and held bilateral talks

Discussions focus on AI, the EPO’s Observatory and future cooperation