European Patent Opposition Advocacy Workshop

European Patent Opposition is a uniquely complex and demanding discipline that requires highly specialised expertise and advocacy skills. European Patent Attorneys therefore need a sound understanding of the key aspects of Opposition Oral Proceedings. This inperson, in-depth training workshop provides practical coverage of many classic issues that arise at Oral Proceedings, as well as the opportunity to practise advocacy skills under expert tuition. In preparation for the workshop there are two online meetings totalling six hours and a further two-hour face-to-face meeting the day before the workshop. At the first meeting the five workshop coaches deliver modules on topics such as advocacy and the European Patent Opposition environment, as well as introducing the case itself. During the second meeting the participants prepare their argumentation with coach guidance. Throughout the main workshop day, participants take part in a mock Oral Proceedings before former EPO Opposition Division and Board of Appeal members, based on a simulated case suitable for all technical disciplines. As the case unfolds, they will prepare, present and analyse proprietor and opponent arguments during interactive sessions, interspersed with presentations and discussion of key topics such as inventive step, prior use, clarity, auxiliary requests, late filing and admissibility. Participants also receive one-to-one feedback and advice with respect to their own interventions.

FORUM