TRAINING - THE WAY TO GET AHEAD
Innovation drives economic growth and is the key to progress. The patents granted by the European Patent Office protect such innovation. They not only stimulate inventive activity but also provide access to a wealth of information and give formal expression to new developments.

Industry can and should use patents as an instrument to protect investment in innovation. But to capitalise on their commercial potential, patent professionals require the necessary know-how - and that means education and training. The European Patent Organisation has responded to the ever-growing demand for training by setting up the European Patent Academy. Being the EPO interface for external education and training in the field of European and international patent law and practice, the Academy will draw on the expertise and wide range of contacts built up by the European Patent Office.

The Academy will work closely with the relevant national, European and international institutions. This co-operation will create a common understanding with the aim of safeguarding the patent system and hence ensuring an effective system of innovation protection in Europe. The new Academy represents a further step for the European Patent Organisation in its efforts to support a global patent culture. I am convinced that the Organisation will thereby also make a major contribution towards the implementation of the Lisbon strategy in the European patent system.

Professor Alain Pompidou
President

• Statute of the Academy (PDF)