Job opportunities at the European Patent Office Christos Dimopoulos Head of the Vice-President's Office International/Legal Affairs (DG5)

About us

Locations 3 The EPO has offices at five different locations. Its headquarters are in Munich. 3

Number of staff in 2010 Around 60% are patent examiners Munich 3 718 The Hague 2 710 Berlin 274 Vienna 112 Brussels 4 Total 6 818 4

Staff from 31 different countries (2010) Country Number of staff AT Austria 237 BE Belgium 359 BG Bulgaria 35 CH Switzerland 74 CY Cyprus 8 CZ Czech Republic 20 ES Spain 447 DE Germany 1 851 DK Denmark 75 EE Estonia 7 FI Finland 49 FR France 1 225 GB United Kingdom 507 GR Greece 165 HU Hungary 29 IE Ireland 82 HR Croatia 2 Country Number of staff IT Italy 507 LT Lithuania 4 LU Luxembourg 69 LV Latvia 5 MT Malta 2 NL Netherlands 609 SE Sweden 125 PL Poland 62 PT Portugal 87 RO Romania 115 SI Slovenia 14 SK Slovakia 15 TR Turkey 29 Others Total 6 818 IS Iceland 1 5

Job opportunities

Jobs at the European Patent Office Types of jobs for candidates holding a university degree (A grades) Examiners: play a decisive role in the grant of new patents in Europe in a wide range of technical areas (14 Clusters) permanent employees Other roles Lawyers Translators Administrators (human resources, finance, controlling ...) permanent employees and contractors

Work as a patent examiner Top-level engineers and scientists high degree of technical expertise knowledge of the EPO's three official languages Training during first two years extensive legal and procedural training individual coaching by experienced examiners Continuing professional development throughout career language courses

Who are we looking for? Diploma of completed studies at university level (Masters Degree) or - in exceptional cases - equivalent professional experience. Candidates must have an excellent knowledge of one official language of the EPO (English, French and German) and ability to understand the other two. Nationals of one of the member states Work experience is not required but would be an advantage

What do we offer? Long-term employment in an international environment at the forefront of technology Good work/life balance Professional development opportunities Attractive salary, pension scheme, social security package and good working conditions

How to apply? All our vacancies are posted online: http://www.epo.org/about-us/jobs/vacancies.html online application form linked from each vacancy notice

Internships 1. Legal & International Affairs In which units are placements possible? 3.0 Legal Research and Administration 5.1 Patent Information and European Co-operation 5.2.1 Patent Law 5.2.2 International Legal Affairs 5.2.3 International Affairs 5.2.4 Legal Division/Patent Administration 5.2.5 International and Legal PCT Affairs 5.2.6 IP5/Trilateral Affairs and International Organisations 5.3.1 Institutional and General Legal Matters 5.3.4 Legal Services The Hague 5.4 European Patent Academy 5.0.2 Brussels Bureau What do we offer? learn about the unit's activities improve the knowledge acquired during your studies become acquainted with various aspects of the European patent system gain first-hand experience in an international organisation

Internships 1. Legal & International Affairs Availability The number of places available is limited and reviewed for each year. There are two sessions per year: March to June - September to December. Applicants must: University degree (in patent law or intellectual property). have a very good knowledge of one of the EPO's official languages (English, French and German) and a good knowledge of another. be nationals of one of the EPO member states take out your own health insurance. How do you apply? Please submit your application on-line via our website. You will find it as well as further information on the internet under: http://www.epo.org/about-us/jobs/vacancies/internships/graduates.html

Internships 2. Science & Engineering In which Technical fields in Munich, The Hague and Berlin are placements possible? mechanical engineering civil engineering chemistry electronics electricity physics computers What do we offer? training on IP in general, the patent granting process and classification systems as well as the tools used by examiners re-classify patent applications under the supervision of an examiner get an insight into the latest R&D trends report on your experiences to your tutor and the HR department

Internships 2. Science & Engineering Availability The number of places available is limited and reviewed for each year. There are several sessions each year. The next one starts in January 2012 in Berlin. Applicants must: hold a bachelor's degree (or have completed university studies at an equivalent level) and currently be enrolled in a college or university speak English fluently. Knowledge of German and/or French would be an advantage. be a national of one of the EPO member states take out your own health insurance. How do you apply? Please submit your application on-line via our website. You will find it as well as further information on the internet under: http://www.epo.org/about-us/jobs/vacancies/internships/science-engineering.html

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