ASTP and EPO sign Memorandum of Understanding

Christophe Haunold ASTP President, and  António Campinos, President of the European Patent Office (EPO), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The purpose of the agreement is to provide a general framework that will guide collaboration activities between the two organisations.

The agreement reflects the shared interest of the EPO and ASTP in the essential role played by knowledge and technology transfer in the commercialisation of intellectual property (IP), in bolstering innovation across Europe and globally.

Welcoming news of the announcement, Christophe Haunold said: This MoU is the outcome of many years of working together with the EPO. It is a recognition of our mutual understanding and the intention, that together, we can best support innovation and Knowledge Transfer professionals in Europe and across the globe.

Under the terms of the agreement between ASTP and the EPO, the two organisations will exchange experience and jointly promote outreach initiatives relating to technology transfer. Common education and training activities will be organised to enhance the skills of both technology transfer professionals and staff members in the EPO's PATLB network. The MoU, which takes effect for an initial three-year period, will also provide a platform for the promotion and valorisation of intellectual property (IP). Finally, the agreement builds on established synergies, as ASTP is also well connected within the European Technology Transfer Offices (ETTO) Circle, which the EPO joined last summer as an observer organisation.

On 25 May 2023, to kick-start the collaboration, a delegation from the EPO presented the PATLIB network at the ASTP annual conference, highlighting the areas of collaboration with the organisation. The EPO presenters also reminded the international audience of knowledge transfer professionals that the Unitary Patent system will become a reality as of 1 June, creating new options for patent protection in up to 25 EU member states.