IN THE summer of 2014 we started our special coverage regarding the European Patent Office (EPO). It started with some scoops. In 2015 and 2016 there was turmoil at the EPO and things have been quieter since (SUEPO has said not a word since November).

"We have not given up on EPO coverage; last month we wrote many articles on the subject."Across the Atlantic, in the United States, 2014 brought Alice, which forced the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to rethink software patents. Over the next couple of years caselaw shaped itself accordingly, making such patents obsolete, unlike in Europe. António Campinos continues to promote such patents whilst at the same time threatening staff representatives who dare bring up the subject. Their communications have been severely limited and now that the EPO reduces the number of examiners and fires examiners without warning it takes a lot of courage to speak out.

We have not given up on EPO coverage; last month we wrote many articles on the subject. Shall anyone from the EPO wish to tell us anything (e.g. for anonymous publication/dissemination), here's where to start [1, 2, 3]. In over 12 years we've never ever compromised a source. The road to reform is a long one. It won't happen overnight. ⬆