By Benoît Battistelli

Since 1977 the European Patent Office (EPO) has been responsible under the European Patent Convention for the examination, granting and administration of European patents. It is a role in which the EPO has contributed to innovation and growth in Europe and worldwide with the administration of what continue to be the highest quality patents. Our institution has grown to become the second largest European organisation and now comprises nearly 7000 dedicated staff who are committed to intellectual property through the examination and administration of robust patents.