Gender-neutral language in EPC Rules
On 1 April 2025, updated versions of the EPC Rules will enter into force in each of the EPO’s official languages. The English version will feature amendments to 50 provisions and interpretative preambles will be added to all language versions.
As outlined in its Strategic Plan 2028, the European Patent Office (EPO) is committed to becoming a more diverse and inclusive organisation. This commitment extends to using gender-neutral language wherever possible in its legal texts. As a result, the European Patent Convention (EPC) Rules have been amended to introduce gender-neutral language. The full text of the updated EPC Rules, which will enter into force on 1 April 2025, is now available in the Official Journal. The adoption of this gender-neutral language does not change the substance of the provisions or the established practice.
A common methodology was applied to the EPO’s existing legal texts, including those relating to patent law. Recognising that each of the EPO’s three official languages has distinct linguistic and grammatical properties, a different approach was applied to each. In accordance with this approach, texts in English underwent a full review and 50 provisions were updated with gender-neutral language. Taking into account the complexity of using gender-neutral language in a legislative context in French and German, interpretative preambles have been added to texts in these languages, as well as the English texts, making it clear that any non-gender-neutral terms are to be interpreted in a gender-neutral way. In addition, the French and German versions of Rule 31 EPC have been updated with the terms “personne du métier” and “Fachperson”. This approach was adopted by the Administrative Council in December 2024.
Gender-neutral language is already used in the EPO’s Guidelines for examination and its Guidelines for Search and Examination as PCT Authority. The first provisions of the EPC Implementing Regulations containing gender-neutral language entered into force on 1 April 2024.
Further information
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