EPO News Index: IP Education, DOCX Filing, Live Captions, Guidelines Updates
Summary
The European Patent Office published ten news items covering April–March 2026, including an IP education framework reaching over 6,500 students at more than 100 partner universities, expansion of EPAC certification access, introduction of automated live captions in oral proceedings via Zoom, availability of DOCX filing for all users, and Guidelines 2026 entering into force. Also covered: the President's mission to Georgia on technology transfer cooperation, a second convergence of practice cycle conclusion, and exchanges with German industry IP experts on AI and the Unitary Patent system.
“Filing in DOCX now available for all users - greater flexibility and smoother workflows”
About this source
GovPing monitors European Patent Office for new courts & legal regulatory changes. Every update since tracking began is archived, classified, and available as free RSS or email alerts — 1 changes logged to date.
What changed
The EPO news index aggregates ten announcements spanning March–April 2026, covering digital service enhancements, procedural updates, and international cooperation initiatives. Key items include DOCX filing now available for all users, enabling end-to-end digital processing; automated live captions introduced for opposition hearings via Zoom to improve accessibility; Guidelines 2026 streamlining procedural guidance; and the Modular IP Education Framework marking three years with over 6,500 students across more than 100 universities. The Guidelines 2026 entry-into-force item notes that comments were open until 3 April on EPC and PCT- EPO Guidelines content.
Affected parties including patent applicants, representatives, and IP professionals should be aware of the expanded digital filing options and procedural changes incorporated in Guidelines 2026. The DOCX filing capability supports smoother workflows, while the live caption feature in oral proceedings enhances accessibility for parties participating remotely. The IP education framework expansion signals continued EPO investment in patent knowledge development across European universities.
Archived snapshot
Apr 22, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
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News
Latest news
News
21.04.2026
President’s mission to Georgia
Reinforcing co-operation to support technology transfer
News
21.04.2026
Modular IP Education Framework marks three years of growing impact
Bringing expert IP knowledge to over 6 500 students at more than 100 partner universities
All news
PDF document
21.04.2026 News
President’s mission to Georgia
Reinforcing co-operation to support technology transfer
International co-operation Mission
PDF document
17.04.2026 News
Modular IP Education Framework marks three years of growing impact
Bringing expert IP knowledge to over 6 500 students at more than 100 partner universities
Learning Innovation
PDF document
14.04.2026 News
Candidate Support Programme expands access to EPAC certification in Europe
The inaugural cycle confirms strong interest and improves access to certification in patent administration.
Learning ESG
PDF document
14.04.2026 News
EPO introduces automated live captions in oral proceedings by VICO
Accessibility and inclusion enhanced by option for opposition hearings via Zoom
Oral proceedings Diversity & inclusion Digital transformation Language Quality
PDF document
14.04.2026 News
Quality dashboard: quarterly update
Examination KPIs show encouraging improvement
Quality Patent granting process
PDF document
01.04.2026 News
Driving the digital shift: highlights from the eSACEPO meeting
User representatives discuss the EPO’s digitalisation initiatives and gain insights into key developments
SACEPO Case law Law and practice
PDF document
01.04.2026 News
Guidelines 2026 enter into force, streamlining procedural guidance
Submit comments until 3 April on the EPC and PCT‑EPO Guidelines, which now include content from the former Guides, and on the UP Guidelines
Examination Law and practice EPC PCT Unitary patent/Unified Patent Court Applying for a patent Consultation
PDF document
25.03.2026 News
Filing in DOCX now available for all users - greater flexibility and smoother workflows
New filing option supports end-to-end digital processing and improves efficiency for users and examiners
Online services Patent granting process Digital transformation
PDF document
30.03.2026 News
EPO meets with the German Association of Industry IP Experts
Exchanges on IP awareness, the Unitary Patent system, leveraging AI and EPO quality initiatives
Quality Artificial Intelligence International co-operation Consultation Unitary patent/Unified Patent Court Technology EPO Technology Dashboard
PDF document
30.03.2026 News
Successful conclusion of second convergence of practice cycle
Strengthening alignment in broad claims and double patenting across the European Patent Network
Patent granting process SP2028 International co-operation Law and practice
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