Required profile for EPO patent examiners

The job of a European patent examiner demands a unique combination of scientific expertise, analytical thinking, language skills and an interest in intellectual property law.

Minimum requirements

  • Citizenship of one of the member states of the European Patent Organisation.
  • Diploma of completed university studies at Master’s level in physics, chemistry, engineering or natural sciences. The degree should be relevant to the technical field in which you would like to work.
  • Excellent knowledge (at least C1) of one official language (English, French and German) and working knowledge (at least B2) of the other two. In exceptional cases, excellent knowledge (at least C1) of one official language and working knowledge (at least B2) of another. In such cases, the willingness to learn the third language and to reach level B2 would be required.

You should also have a genuine interest in technology, an eye for detail and an analytical mind.

Experience

Work experience in industry is not essential, but would be an advantage.

Relocation

Applicants must be willing to relocate to Munich, The Hague or Berlin, the EPO sites at which patents are examined.

For further information, please see our FAQ.