Course overview
Oral proceedings are one of the most challenging - and decisive - stages in European patent practice. And they can occur during any stage of a European application. They are organised to conclude the majority of appeal cases, and in many opposition and examination cases. Are you up to date with the latest practice and procedures in the EPO?
For European patent attorneys, appearing before the EPO is almost inevitable. Yet the experience can be daunting and intimidating: proceedings move quickly, arguments evolve in real time, and unexpected procedural twists can catch even seasoned practitioners off guard. Unlike in written proceedings success depends not only on knowing the law but also on the ability to think strategically and react decisively under pressure.
To defend your client’s interests correctly and competently it is vital to know what to expect at this European level and to be properly prepared for it. This highly practical, workshop-style training course is designed to equip you with the skills, confidence and up to date knowledge on current practice needed to excel in oral proceedings at the EPO.
The expert trainer will share his inside knowledge and experience, and give invaluable practical and strategic advice. You will gain:
- Insider insight into the latest EPO practice, procedures and case law
- Strategic techniques to prepare persuasive arguments and anticipate counterarguments
- Practical guidance on managing the dynamics of live hearings, including how to handle surprises effectively
Through interactive discussion, real-world examples, and direct application of the EPC, EPO Guidelines, and the Rules of Procedure of the Boards of Appeal, you’ll leave ready to defend your client’s interests with authority and confidence.
CPD Hours: 6
Course Content
- Day 1
- The basics and the law
- Preparing for oral proceedings
- During the oral proceedings
- After the oral proceedings
- Appeal
Speakers
Joeri Beetz
Joeri Beetz, Patent Attorney, Keltie LLP, specialises in patents in the fields of mechanical engineering, physics and control software. Amongst all the different technologies he has been extensively involved in are optical recording, medical devices, agricultural equipment, lighting, displays and automotive. He regularly represents clients in opposition procedures at the EPO, both to defend and to attack patents.
Joeri spent nine years in a Dutch patent firm based in Eindhoven, after five years of working at the in-house patent department of CNH Industrial. He joined Keltie in 2017. During his in-house period he managed a large patent portfolio for a broad range of different combine harvesters. At CNH Industrial, he built an extensive expertise in freedom to operate and patent infringement analysis and gained a keen insight in the commercial implications of different IP strategies.
In 2002, Joeri obtained his masters degree in physics at the University of Utrecht. In his final year at University, he built and tested equipment for testing particle detectors for the ALICE experiment at the Large Hadron Collider at CERN.
