Quality dashboard: quarterly update of quality audit and annual update of Boards of Appeal outcomes
Earlier today, the European Patent Office (EPO) updated its Quality dashboard to reflect quality audit figures from the first quarter of 2025 and the Boards of Appeal outcomes for cases settled in 2024.
Search KPIs
Search quality audit results continue to confirm high quality, as files without any findings relating to novelty, inventive step or added subject matter remain stable at 92.9%.
Examination KPIs
The positive evolution in grant quality audit reflected by the dashboard is driven by improved assessments of novelty and inventive step, with incorrect assessments falling from 7.9% of sampled files in 2023 to 6.8% in 2024, and to 6.5% in the first quarter of 2025.
Opposition KPIs
The analysis of cases settled by the Boards of Appeal in 2024 showed that the most frequent reason for the BoA to overturn the opposition decision and revoke the patent was a difference in the interpretation of inventive step. To improve alignment, the Quality Action Plan 2025 includes a strong focus on harmonising our application of the problem-solution approach.
More on the quality dashboard
Launched in March 2024, the Quality dashboard fosters transparency by delivering regular updates on quality standards and user satisfaction. By showcasing essential key performance indicators (KPIs), it provides stakeholders with a clear and comprehensive overview of quality in the EPO’s patent granting process. The dashboard builds on the annual Quality Action Plan, which defines targeted actions aimed at enhancing the quality of the EPO’s products and services.
Related items
Exchanges on the European search report, MyEPO and PCT Direct filings
Review of EPO quality initiatives brings priorities for 2025 into focus at SACEPO’s autumn meeting
Outlook on maintaining highest standards in the patent granting process
Review of impact, latest learnings and ongoing initiatives, alignment on future priorities
Recent developments, quality, EQE, user feedback and the Observatory were among topics discussed
ISO certifications for quality, information security, environmental management systems and occupational health and safety
Topics discussed include patent quality, Unitary Patent and digitalisation
EPO President meets with the Institute of Professional Representatives
Exchanges on quality, the Unitary Patent and the EPO Observatory’s health-related activities
Recent developments, quality, EQE, Unitary Patent/UPC and user feedback were on the agenda
Exchanges on quality, the Unitary Patent, and healthcare innovation
European patents can now extend to 46 countries
EPO President António Campinos has appeared on the latest episode of IP Fridays, a podcast on developments in the IP world, released today.
Applicants exchange on quality, timeliness and the Unitary Patent
Deepening user dialogue, investing in our talents, enhancing our tools, harmonising our work practices
Quality audit results reveal positive impact of Quality Action Plan
Quality Action Plan 2025 will build on extensive user feedback to advance continuous improvement
Flagship conference highlights quality as a shared responsibility
Exchanges on AI in the patent granting process, MyEPO and quality
Preview versions of the EPC, PCT-EPO and UP Guidelines 2025 are published as of today. Our annual user consultation is now open for your feedback.
Exchanges on the European search report, MyEPO and PCT Direct filings
Review of EPO quality initiatives brings priorities for 2025 into focus at SACEPO’s autumn meeting
Outlook on maintaining highest standards in the patent granting process
Review of impact, latest learnings and ongoing initiatives, alignment on future priorities
Recent developments, quality, EQE, user feedback and the Observatory were among topics discussed
ISO certifications for quality, information security, environmental management systems and occupational health and safety
Topics discussed include patent quality, Unitary Patent and digitalisation
EPO President meets with the Institute of Professional Representatives
Exchanges on quality, the Unitary Patent and the EPO Observatory’s health-related activities
Recent developments, quality, EQE, Unitary Patent/UPC and user feedback were on the agenda
Exchanges on quality, the Unitary Patent, and healthcare innovation
European patents can now extend to 46 countries
EPO President António Campinos has appeared on the latest episode of IP Fridays, a podcast on developments in the IP world, released today.
Applicants exchange on quality, timeliness and the Unitary Patent
Deepening user dialogue, investing in our talents, enhancing our tools, harmonising our work practices
Quality audit results reveal positive impact of Quality Action Plan
Quality Action Plan 2025 will build on extensive user feedback to advance continuous improvement
Flagship conference highlights quality as a shared responsibility
Exchanges on AI in the patent granting process, MyEPO and quality
Preview versions of the EPC, PCT-EPO and UP Guidelines 2025 are published as of today. Our annual user consultation is now open for your feedback.
Exchanges on the European search report, MyEPO and PCT Direct filings
Review of EPO quality initiatives brings priorities for 2025 into focus at SACEPO’s autumn meeting
Outlook on maintaining highest standards in the patent granting process