Summary: The cartoon anticipates/extrapolates the impact of the latest reform on the future patent quality and possible consequences for holders of European Patents after Brexit

Context: The organisational merger of large parts of DG1 and DG2, which is currently being implemented, respects the wording of Rule 9 EPC but it conflicts with its spirit. The introduction of a direct reporting line between the new COOs and the president give him even more control over the patent examination process while marginalising the roles of VP1 and VP2. [the direct reporting links are shown in the organigram of the new structure, taken from epo.org]

The new structure at EPO (large view)

Rule 9:

Administrative structure of the European Patent Office

(1) The European Patent Office shall be divided administratively into Directorates-General, to which the departments specified in Article 15(a) to (e), and the services set up to deal with legal matters and the internal administration of the Office, shall be assigned.

(2) Each Directorate-General shall be directed by a Vice-President. The assignment of a Vice-President to a Directorate-General shall be decided by the Administrative Council, after the President of the European Patent Office has been consulted. ⬆