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Article 26 Jan 2021

A Trilogy on Oppositions

Patents

Learn more about EPO Oppositions, where IP expert Wannes Weymiens analyses the big data behind opposition procedures before the EPO in his "Trilogy on Oppositions".

A Trilogy on Oppositions_Wannes Weijmiens_NLO

A TRILOGY ON OPPOSITIONS Wannes Weymiens, Associate partner & Dutch and European patent attorney, analyses the big data behind opposition procedures before the EPO in the period from 2017 to 2019.

A Trilogy on Oppositions_A Deep Dive_Article 1_Wannes Weijmiens_NLO

A deep dive into EPO opposition representation reveals Germany and the UK dominate European patents are increasingly important for businesses of all sizes. Filings of European patent applications increase every year, while more European patents are being granted. What’s more, the diversity of applications is also on the rise. Applicants or patentees from non-EPC states grew from 52.71% in 2017 to 54.52% in 2019.

A Trilogy on Oppositions Champions Cup

European champions - the private practice teams that dominate EPO oppositions Oppositions at the EPO are complex and very different to examination proceedings. As a result, companies often opt for representatives with specific oppositions skillsets. The attributes required to successfully represent patentees may even differ from those required to represent opponents. Choosing the appropriate representative for each of these scenarios is, therefore, a major call.

Case Law Summaries by NLO

Top EPO opposition firms by technical areas of specialisation revealed Different types of patentable technologies are classified according to the International Patent Classification (IPC) system. Within this system, inventions are classified in eight main sections: A Human Necessities; B Performing Operations, Transporting; C Chemistry, Metallurgy; D Textiles, Paper; E Fixed Constructions; F Mechanical Engineering, Lighting, Heating, Weapons; G Physics; and H Electricity.