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Diversity and inclusion

The EPO encourages Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). Almost 6 200 staff from 36 countries are living proof that a successful organisation is one that leverages the diversity of its workforce.

We provide fair and equal opportunities for all staff, regardless of nationality, belief, sex, origin, health and sexual orientation or identity. Equal pay for women and men has been our practice since we opened our doors in 1977.

The EPO has an inclusive work environment and culture, and promotes this diversity in all activities, whether conferences, e-learning materials, awareness campaigns, networking or other events.

Diversity and inclusion

The EPO encourages Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). Almost 6 300 staff from 34 countries are living proof that a successful organisation is one that leverages the diversity of its workforce.

We provide fair and equal opportunities for all staff, regardless of nationality, belief, sex, origin, health and sexual orientation or identity. Equal pay for women and men has been our practice since we opened our doors in 1977.

The EPO has an inclusive work environment and culture, and promotes this diversity in all activities, whether conferences, e-learning materials, awareness campaigns, networking or other events.
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    “The European Patent Office is an organisation that thrives on diversity. For me it's most important that all colleagues feel that they truly belong at the EPO. This is only possible when each and every staff member can bring their authentic selves to work every day, when we all have the same chances to learn and excel, and when all are treated with respect. This is not only the foundation of our EPO community - but also our success as an organisation. "

    - Nellie Simon
    VP Corporate Services
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    "I am motivated every day to work for an organisation with a clear, strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, where every individual is encouraged to thrive. I take a huge amount of pride in our diverse community: more than 33 nationalities from a range of different backgrounds. By involving and caring for others and by valuing our differences, I believe we have created a vibrant and inclusive workspace, with a strong sense of belonging."

    - Steve Rowan
    VP Patent Granting Process
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    “The vibrant tapestry of our professional community, where every person is cherished and encouraged to fully engage, is at the core of who we are and how we work. By embracing diversity and inclusion, we are also better positioned to understand the diverse needs of our stakeholders, respond to challenges with creativity and ensure a positive impact on society for a more sustainable world. Towards that, we constantly strive - wish to join us?”

    - Roberta Romano-Götsch
    Chief Sustainability Officer
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    “The European Patent Office is an organisation that thrives on diversity. For me it's most important that all colleagues feel that they truly belong at the EPO. This is only possible when each and every staff member can bring their authentic selves to work every day, when we all have the same chances to learn and excel, and when all are treated with respect. This is not only the foundation of our EPO community - but also our success as an organisation. "

    - Nellie Simon
    VP Corporate Services
  • alt=""

    "I am motivated every day to work for an organisation with a clear, strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, where every individual is encouraged to thrive. I take a huge amount of pride in our diverse community: more than 33 nationalities from a range of different backgrounds. By involving and caring for others and by valuing our differences, I believe we have created a vibrant and inclusive workspace, with a strong sense of belonging."

    - Steve Rowan
    VP Patent Granting Process

  • “The vibrant tapestry of our professional community, where every person is cherished and encouraged to fully engage, is at the core of who we are and how we work. By embracing diversity and inclusion, we are also better positioned to understand the diverse needs of our stakeholders, respond to challenges with creativity and ensure a positive impact on society for a more sustainable world. Towards that, we constantly strive - wish to join us?”

    - Roberta Romano-Götsch
    Chief Sustainability Officer

Diversity and Inclusion Statement

The European Patent Office is committed to fostering a workplace where every individual feels respected, supported and empowered to
contribute fully to our shared goals.

Our Service Regulations reflect this commitment, with Article 1a affirming the principle of non-discrimination and Article 5 reinforcing
the principle of equal opportunity. These provisions guide our daily work and ensure that our policies and practices uphold fairness,
dignity and respect for all. By embracing a wide range of perspectives and experiences, we strengthen the quality of our work and the
impact of our services.

As an employer, we actively promote inclusion at every stage of the employee journey. We value talent in all its diversity and work
to ensure access to opportunities for development and advancement for all of our people. By encouraging collaboration and mutual
understanding, we strive to create an environment where everyone can thrive and achieve their best.

We take pride in the Office’s multicultural community. This unique network of staff from across our contracting states enriches our
culture, fosters creativity and strengthens our ability to deliver excellence.

Diversity and inclusion together with our commitment to sustainability, form a foundation for building a resilient, innovative and forwardlooking
organisation. We listen carefully to our people through employee surveys and transparently monitor our progress on D&I goals
through publicly available KPIs.

Our diversity is our strength. Together we ensure that EPO serves as a model of collaboration and excellence in Europe and beyond.

We actively promote inclusion at every stage of the employee journey.

Diversity in Numbers (status 2025)

Fostering a Sense of Belonging at the EPO

The EPO is continuously seeking to increase engagement and empower its employees. This list of 10 inclusive behaviours focuses on positive actions we can all take to create an inclusive culture at the EPO that reflects the Office's general guidelines and policies. By promoting inclusive behaviour, the EPO is encouraging its employees to lead a culture change. 

Our Networks

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    Rainbow Group

     

    The Rainbow Group is an association of LGBTQ+ staff and their friends (straight allies welcome!) from across all sites. We meet virtually and informally several times each month to provide support, break down barriers, promote inclusion and even share a laugh.

An Inclusive Workplace for all

 ➡️ Read the EPO Inclusion Policy for people with disabilities.

  • Women in Tech Forum

    The EPO is a certified talent partner of the Women in Tech Forum, an exclusive global community who are looking to create a more diverse and inclusive workforce. Their aim is twofold, to work with organisations to support them attract, develop, and retain diverse talent and to promote individuals who are looking to level up their career in tech and network with industry peers and role models.

Our Diversity Events

Sticks & Stones

“Work where you are celebrated, not where you are tolerated”. We have been annually taking part in Sticks&Stones, which is Europe's largest LGBTQ+ career fair.

 

 

EPO Girls’ Day

The Office has been a regular participant in Girls' Day an event that welcomes young girls to experience the world of innovation up close and to support their interest in STEM fields.

 

Top Women Tech

Top Women Tech is a global platform powered by Careers International, promoting diversity in STEM, leadership and jobs. Check out below the previous Jobinar Top Women Tech | virtual.

Sticks & Stones

“Work where you are celebrated, not where you are tolerated”. We have been annually taking part in Sticks&Stones, which is Europe's largest LGBTQ+ career fair.

 

 

EPO Girls Day

The Office has been a regular participant in Girls' Day an event that welcomes young girls to experience the world of innovation up close and to support their interest in STEM fields.

 

Top Women Tech

Top Women Tech is a global platform powered by Careers International, promoting diversity in STEM, leadership and jobs. Check out below the previous Jobinar Top Women Tech | virtual.

  • myAbility Networking event

    The EPO has been involved in the Emma at Work network in The Netherlands since early 2026, and in the myAbility Talent programme since its introduction in Munich in 2019, helping highly qualified students and recent graduates with disabilities and chronic illness access to the job market.

  • myAbility Networking event

    The EPO has been involved in the Emma at Work network in The Netherlands since early 2026, and in the myAbility Talent programme since its introduction in Munich in 2019, helping highly qualified students and recent graduates with disabilities and chronic illness access to the job market.