Career opportunities in Information and Communications Technology

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00 Introduction
01 How did your career bring you to EPO?
02 What does a patent examiner do and how does a typical day look like?
03 How international are your teams?
04 How do you consider having a cross-discipline profile? Like professional background in telecom but a MSc in Artificial Intelligence
05 For mechanical engineering patent examiners , what kind of search tools do you use for a daily patent research ?
06 At the end of the five-year contract, how do patent examiners evolve? Which jobs do they go into?
07 is the work as patent examiner based in one location(The Hague or Berlin) for the 5 years?
08 Is there some kind of internal training/sessions when on-boarding a new examiner, in order to learn patent examination processes and such?
09 Do all patent examiners need to know the three languages requested by EPO? And at which proficiency level?Thanks
10 What do you expect a new hire to accomplish, say in the first 4-6 months of the job?
11 Searching for a new invention that hasn't been documented anywhere before seems like an endless task, how do you determine when this done?
12 Regarding collaboration, how is usually the dynamics within a team of examiners?
13 Knowing the fast evolution in Artificial Intelligence, how do you see the future regarding patent lifetimes and secrecy periods?
14 What are the main challenges in adjusting from working in the industry to working in EPO?
15 As patent examiner, is it possible to change technical perimeter after a certain period of time? (If relevant to expertise of course)
16 What are the typical rules on secrecy, like non-disclosure agreements and insider-knowledge at the EPO?
17 Could you share an example of a typical patent application/invention you would encounter in the ICT field?
18 What is your strategy for diversity & inclusion at EPO? E.g. do you support female talent?
19 Could you please explain the different stages of the hiring process?
20 Interacting with inventors must undoubtedly be stimulating and inspiring ; what do you like most about working as a patent examiner?
21 Conclusion

Supporting innovation, competitiveness and economic growth: that’s our mission at the EPO

Our 7 000 employees from 35 countries prove that the best results are achieved together. As the patent office for Europe, we are proud to deliver high-quality patents and efficient services that foster innovation, competitiveness and economic growth.

The EPO’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT) comprises over 1 900 staff including 1 680 examiners working in Munich, The Hague and Berlin.

The sector covers an extremely wide variety of technical fields, including: communication systems and networks, satellites, artificial intelligence (AI), image processing and pattern recognition, cryptography, semiconductors, video games, nuclear fusion reactors.

With the advent of Industry 4.0 and the digitisation of almost every aspect of human life, as patent examiner in our sector, you will have the opportunity to see the latest technology first-hand, support innovation and make decisions that will impact thousands of people – including you.

Meet the speakers

Åsa Ribbe
Director
Delphine Roux-Decker
Patent Examiner
Eugenio Archontopoulos
Team Manager

Every invention is unique. So is everyone in our team.

Our 7 000 employees from 35 countries prove that the best results are achieved together. As the patent office for Europe, we are proud to deliver high-quality patents and efficient services that foster innovation, competitiveness and economic growth. Our staff enjoy challenging work in a diverse environment.

Why join us?

  • Be part of the EPO`s transformation and enable innovation
  • Work with inspiring people from a variety of cultures
  • Develop yourself and take on an intellectual challenge

What’s in it for you?

  • A competitive salary
  • Family-friendly benefits
  • A good work-life balance
  • Relocation benefits and various allowances
  • Contributory medical insurance and pension schemes
  • 30 days’ leave per year