​​EPO and Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property meet​

​​EPO and SAIP delegations​ 

A high-level delegation from the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP), led by its CEO Dr Al-Swailem, met with the EPO in Munich on 27 September. Delegates took stock of cooperation projects between the offices and discussed new initiatives to strengthen their partnership and benefit users of the global patent system. The discussions focussed on the successful implementation of the Reinforced Partnership agreement, including SAIP’s re-use of EPO work products, the latest developments in AI-based tools and services and the EPO’s Observatory on Patents and Technologies. 

Increasing effectiveness, quality and consistency with AI 

In a discussion on quality, the EPO delegation outlined the role of AI and its contribution to improvements in this area. The EPO emphasised its human-centric approach to digital evolution, noting that while AI creates remarkable tools that enhance the accuracy, consistency and capabilities of IP professionals, it does not replace human expertise.  

SAIP presented their employee virtual assistant and AI-based IPC classification tool. The EPO provided an update on the latest developments in AI assistance to patent classification, search and examination. These included the new Legal Interactive Platform and the AI CPC support tools for classification and file allocation.  

Exploring trends in the innovation ecosystem 

SAIP delegates were updated on the recent activities of the EPO’s Observatory, particularly in carbon capture and storage, water and cancer fighting technologies. The EPO also outlined several future initiatives to deepen understanding of the innovation ecosystem in energy transition, plastics and technologies towards zero hunger.  

SAIP presented two recently published patent landscape reports on carbon capture and storage as well as wind energy. Both offices expressed an interest in exploring common topics for future studies and expanding the Digital Library at the EPO’s Observatory on Patents and Technology. In this context, SAIP outlined its initiatives in the field of IP capacity building. These include the IP Academy, the information centre, the Technology and Innovation Support Center, offering services such as landscape reports, statistics and data exchange. 

EPO-SAIP co-operation 

The EPO and SAIP concluded a Reinforced Partnership agreement on 18 November 2021. Since then, the two offices have collaborated on several joint initiatives, such as the re-use of EPO work products in examination. Earlier this year, a delegation from SAIP visited the EPO to exchange on processes in quality management and sustainability.