Raising the rainbow flag

As Pride celebrations return to The Hague from 16–17 May, the European Patent Office (EPO) has once again raised the rainbow flag at its premises in Rijswijk.
The rainbow flag stands as a powerful symbol of the LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and others) community, representing the diversity of identities and the universal right to dignity and respect. In raising the flag, the EPO reaffirms its commitment to visibility, equality and inclusion.
We strive to foster a workplace where diversity is embedded in our culture, and every colleague feels respected, supported and free to be themselves every day.
Further information
Related items

What makes the inventor and social entrepreneur tick? Find out on 13 October

The EPO published its Social Report 2018, which offers a comprehensive overview of staff and working conditions at the Office.

The EPO celebrated International Women's Day on 8 March by launching "Women in the Lead", a mentorship programme in which senior managers will mentor

Celebrating diversity and the LGBTQ+ community in The Hague

A memorable day for 200 girls and a potential first step towards a STEM career

Updated EPC Rules come into force on 1 April

A unique insight into life at the EPO for talents with disabilities

Over 30 talents with disabilities and seven myAbility partner organisations participate in exchanges on job shadowing and D&I topics

United in diversity at leading LGBTQIA+ festival

EPO supports Pride month with a series of initiatives in Munich

Today, our Pride flag was raised at the EPO offices in The Hague

Exchanges focus on diversity & inclusion, patent quality and Unitary Patent uptake

Inspiring the next generation of female inventors and women in STEM

EPO and IP offices mark the occasion

Industry leaders share best practices for inclusion of people with disabilities

EPO events in Munich and The Hague aim to inspire girls to follow careers in STEM and sustainable innovation.

Meet the expert behind the first adaptable robotic exoskeleton for children.

Theme for 2023 puts spotlight on innovation and gender equality

New EPO study shows a persistent gap in the rate of women inventors in Europe.

The EPO is organising panel discussions to debate the state of women’s participation in inventive activities.

What makes the inventor and social entrepreneur tick? Find out on 13 October

The EPO published its Social Report 2018, which offers a comprehensive overview of staff and working conditions at the Office.

The EPO celebrated International Women's Day on 8 March by launching "Women in the Lead", a mentorship programme in which senior managers will mentor

Celebrating diversity and the LGBTQ+ community in The Hague

A memorable day for 200 girls and a potential first step towards a STEM career

Updated EPC Rules come into force on 1 April

A unique insight into life at the EPO for talents with disabilities

Over 30 talents with disabilities and seven myAbility partner organisations participate in exchanges on job shadowing and D&I topics

United in diversity at leading LGBTQIA+ festival

EPO supports Pride month with a series of initiatives in Munich

Today, our Pride flag was raised at the EPO offices in The Hague

Exchanges focus on diversity & inclusion, patent quality and Unitary Patent uptake

Inspiring the next generation of female inventors and women in STEM

EPO and IP offices mark the occasion

Industry leaders share best practices for inclusion of people with disabilities

EPO events in Munich and The Hague aim to inspire girls to follow careers in STEM and sustainable innovation.

Meet the expert behind the first adaptable robotic exoskeleton for children.

Theme for 2023 puts spotlight on innovation and gender equality

New EPO study shows a persistent gap in the rate of women inventors in Europe.

The EPO is organising panel discussions to debate the state of women’s participation in inventive activities.

What makes the inventor and social entrepreneur tick? Find out on 13 October

The EPO published its Social Report 2018, which offers a comprehensive overview of staff and working conditions at the Office.

The EPO celebrated International Women's Day on 8 March by launching "Women in the Lead", a mentorship programme in which senior managers will mentor