European Qualifying Examination (EQE) Being Reduced to Pieces of Papers One Can Buy, Patent System Rapidly Losing Its Legitimacy
The United States' FTC before it was removed (the current seating president ran a diploma mill, "Trump University"):
Some years ago we showed that corrupt officials at the EPO were corrupting the European Qualifying Examination (EQE) by handing out false certificates to friends of theirs. Nobody was ever held accountable and the dodgy official responsible is still in the Office, where cocaine crimes on German soil are tolerated and covered up. At the EPO, any notion of justice is elusive because corruption prevails and those who participate in illegal activities get ahead.
Some hours ago the Central Staff Committee (CSC) wrote to staff about EQE and scabs. To quote their short message:
Zentraler Personalausschuss
Central Staff Committee
Le Comité Central du PersonnelMunich, 12-03-2026
sc26024cpEligibility of Young Professionals in
Patent Grant Process
to sit the European Qualifying ExaminationDear colleagues,
We would like to update you on the CSC’s efforts to advocate for Young Professionals (YPs) to be allowed to sit the European Qualifying Examination (EQE).
Feedback received from YPs working in DG1 has consistently been that in order for the three-year scheme to be of more value to them, they would appreciate that their experience be deemed suitable for providing eligibility to sit the EQE exam. The CSC supports this view and raised the matter with the Administration, seeking clarification on whether, and under which conditions, YPs could become eligible.
The administration replied stating that EQE Regulations allude explicitly to “examiners” and that YPs do not currently qualify to sit the EQE. The administration seems to miss the relevant argument here, that the position of a trainee at the EPO can be considered equivalent to a trainee at an attorney firm, the latter currently possessing eligibility to sit the EQE.
We acknowledge that the Administration accepted to take the suggestion into consideration for further analysis.We also raised the point that several YPs go on to join the Office as examiners after completing the programme. We suggested exploring whether former YPs subsequently pursue training as European patent attorneys, since we understand that a significant number of YPs continue into IP careers after the programme, thus providing additional justification for allowing them to sit the EQE during the YP programme itself.
Sincerely yours,
The Central Staff Committee
There is also this longer explanation, which rests on a message sent to Mr. cover-up while everyone at the Office was talking about the cocaine:
European Patent Office
80298 Munich
GermanyCentral Staff Committee
Comité central du personnel
Zentraler PersonalausschusscentralSTCOM@epo.org
Reference: sc25066cl
Date: 06/11/2025
European Patent Office | 80298 MUNICH | GERMANY
To: Mr António Campinos (President of the Office)By email:
To: president@epo.orgEligibility of Young Professionals in DG1 to sit the European Qualifying Examination (EQE)
Young Professionals (YPs) are employed across all areas of the Office, with many assigned to DG1, where they work under the supervision of patent examiners undertaking search and examination tasks. Upon joining, these YPs enrol in the Academy and follow an extensive training programme (Courses A to G) designed to equip them with the knowledge and skills required of a patent examiner.
As part of their training, YPs gradually take on substantive tasks such as performing search work with increasing autonomy, participating in examination and opposition procedures, and attending technical training sessions alongside examiners (e.g. STN, IBIS).
Through this practical experience in the field of patents, a number of YPs develop an interest in sitting the European Qualifying Examination (EQE) to strengthen their professional credentials—either with the aim of joining the Office as patent examiners or pursuing a career in private practice as patent attorneys.
Article 11 of the Regulation on the EQE sets out the conditions for registration and enrolment. It stipulates that candidates must have worked full-time as an examiner at the EPO for at least one year before being eligible to sit the foundation paper (Paper F).
Given that YPs in DG1 perform, under supervision, tasks that are relevant for sitting the EQE, it seems reasonable—both in the interest of fairness and equal treatment—that this experience be recognised as qualifying experience for the purposes of EQE eligibility. The experience they gain, as trainees working under the supervision of a fully qualified examiner should be considered as
equivalent experience to that of a trainee working under the supervision of a fully-qualified patent attorney.Recognising YP experience for EQE eligibility would also align with the Office’s commitment to developing early-career talent. As PD People noted in her message to the 2025 YPs, “Each of you has a unique opportunity to thrive within an organisation that is deeply committed to supporting your development as you take your first steps in an international career in intellectual property.” Granting YPs access to the EQE would give concrete expression to this commitment, reinforcing the Office’s investment in professional growth and enhancing its attractiveness to highly qualified graduates. Moreover, the wish of YPs to sit the EQE demonstrates a strong motivation to deepen their knowledge and a high level of engagement with the patent system. The CSC considers that the Office should actively recognise and encourage these qualities.
We have been in contact with the Certifications Department of the Office, which advised the Young Professionals to submit individual requests via the contact form available at the bottom of the EQE section. The Department also indicated that eligibility for the EQE can only be assessed on the basis of individual submissions.
We believe that establishing a clear and consistent policy on the eligibility of Young Professionals to sit the EQE would be preferable to relying solely on individual assessments. We would therefore be grateful, if you could provide clarification on whether, and under which conditions, Young Professionals working in DG1 may be considered eligible to sit the EQE.
In addition, should such clarification require time to implement, we would kindly request that eligibility be applied retroactively so that former YPs who are no longer employed by the Office may also benefit.
We thank you in advance for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely yours,
Derek Kelly
Chairman of the Central Staff Committee
It took Campinos nearly 5 weeks to respond to this message (he was too busy covering up for his cocaine buddy at the time). He sent one of his lackeys (Requena) to respond. This is what was said:
European Patent Office
2288 EE Rijswijk
The NetherlandsPrincipal Directorate People
Gema Requena Sempere
PD PeopleTel. +31 (0)70 340-3314
grequenasempere@epo.orgDate: 09.12.2025
European Patent Office | 80298 MUNICH | GERMANY
Mr Derek Kelly
Central Staff Committee ChairVia email: centralstcom@epo.org
Your letters dated 6 November and 18 November
Dear Chair,
First of all, regarding your letter on the eligibility of Young Professionals in DG1 to sit the European Qualifying Examination (EQE), the Office notes that it has developed a large offering of trainings and development options to support Young Professionals. Notably, PGP Young Professionals follow a tailor-made development plan that includes the PGP curriculum (courses A to G), providing a comprehensive scope of training. This is complemented by structured learning paths, soft-skills training, continuous guidance from a dedicated tutor, and opportunities to further strengthen their proficiency in the EPO’s official languages.
Concerning the EQE, which is the most important qualifying examination in Europe in the area of patent prosecution, the Office gives comprehensive support to EPO examiners wishing to undertake the series of exams that lead to the obtention of the EQE.
While the EQE is a high-end target and it is normally foreseen for seasoned professionals, and as you note the EQE Regulation alludes explicitly to “examiners”, we continue looking into how to enhance the learning experience of Young Professionals and we will take your suggestions into consideration for further analysis.
Regarding your letter on the mobility of FOs between Job Groups 6 and 5, the Office takes note of your views regarding the recent openings for FOs positions and the related discussions on career progression.
Career development and mobility remain a priority for the Office. Initiatives such as openings across diverse business areas, as well as partial mobility are regularly made available. These aim to enrich both releasing and
receiving departments, foster collaboration, and support professional growth. Job openings that involve a change of job group are advertised Office-wide to ensure equal opportunity for all.
At the same time though, the positions advertised through the recent initiative for FOs were designed within a specific framework: they were open exclusively to the FO community and did not allow for a change of job group. This was broadly communicated during the information sessions, where it was explained that applications from Job Group 6 colleagues for Job Group 5 roles could not be considered for promotion in this context.
We recognise the value of experience and seniority within our teams and remain committed to providing pathways for professional development. Comprehensive training and guidance are also available to support people in exploring new roles or enhancing skills within their current positions, and we encourage them to continue taking advantage of these opportunities.
Yours sincerely,
Gema Requena Sempere
So in a nutshell, everything is getting worse. Patent quality goes down (read: invalid European Patents get granted), justice is just a word, and the courts that assess patents are controlled by the corporations that hold the patents. They are in effect kangaroo courts that violate constitutions.
Welcome to the "new Europe". █