Talk innovation: unlocking technology

Artificial intelligence is transforming the way we work and innovate, but it is also driving a rapid increase in energy demand, raising urgent questions about sustainability and climate impact. Drawing on insights from European Patent Office experts and patenting trends across AI, semiconductors, renewable energy and smart grids, this episode highlights how inventors are tackling one of today’s defining challenges. Their innovation will determine whether AI becomes a climate liability or a driver of a more sustainable future. From more efficient AI models and specialised chips to smart grids, energy storage solutions and cooling systems, discover the technologies that could significantly reduce energy use while enabling AI to continue scaling, unlocking even greater potential. Host: Jeremy Philpott, EPO communication manager Guests: Yann Ménière, EPO Chief Economist Sandra Zeljkovic, EPO patent examiner in electrical power converters Nicolas Douarche, EPO patent examiner and team manager in core AI & quantum computing More information: EPO Technology Dashboard 2025 EPO's Observatory on Patents and Technology Sophie Wilson, European Inventor Award finalist 2013 Jaan Leis, Mati Arulepp and Anti Perkson (Skeleton Technologies), European Inventor Award winners 2022

From mobile streaming to videos only intended to be seen by computers, the technology behind compression algorithms has opened a world of possibilities that goes far beyond entertainment. Join two EPO patent examiners as they discuss how decades of global collaboration have shaped today's digital technologies, and how new approaches to video coding can improve speed, privacy and efficiency in areas like autonomous driving and smart cities. Host: Cristina Lopes Margarido, EPO patent examiner in culinary equipment & food treating devices Guests: Maryse Stoufs, EPO patent examiner in video coding & compression.

Quantum technologies promise to radically accelerate progress in medicine, climate modelling, materials science, energy systems and beyond. But what stage are these technologies at today? Get an exciting look into the future of innovation as experts discuss Europe's world-class quantum science and startup scene and what it will take for their breakthroughs to scale. From finding the right talent and patient investors to developing resilient supply chains and strong intellectual property strategies, getting quantum to market can be complex but its potential impact is unprecedented. Drawing on key highlights from a recent EPO-OECD study on quantum computing, communication and sensing, this episode explores how inventors, policymakers and investors are working together to drive the next quantum revolution. Host: Marguerite McCaughan, Communications Manager, EPO Guests: Pere Arque Castells, Stream leader, EPO Observatory on Patents and Technology Guy Lalanne, Acting Head of Division - Productivity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Samira Nik, European Innovation Council Alexandra Paul, Global Public Policy Lead, Pasqal Pierre Jaeger, Quantum Strategic Partnership Europe & Quantum Leader France, IBM Quantum Ylan Tran, Investor, Quantonation More information: Visit the EPO’s quantum technologies platform: epo.org/quantum

In recent years the worlds of public research and startups have become more linked than ever, attracting a high share of investment and playing a vital role in European competitiveness. But this wasn't always the case. In this episode, cancer immunologist and entrepreneur Dr Jérôme Galon sheds light on how researchers have found increasing acceptance and support as they branch into business. To illustrate this, the 2019 European Inventor Award winner shares his journey as an INSERM researcher and successful biotech founder, discussing the pivotal role of technology transfer offices, what it takes to turn groundbreaking discoveries into real-world impact and the evolving role of today's scientists. The conversation is accompanied by insights from the EPO Observatory's recent study on “The role of European public research in patenting and innovation.” Host: Victor Arribas Martinez, Stream leader, EPO Observatory on Patents and Technology Guests: Dr. Jérôme Galon, Cancer immunologist and research director, French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM) More information: EPO study: “The role of European public research in patenting and innovation” Profile of Dr. Jérôme Galon on the EPO website

Think a patent shouldn't have been granted? This episode explains:How to challenge a competitor’s patent – fromsubmitting observations and filing oppositions to seeking revocation. When and how you can act, and why public inputmatters for patent quality. The general information in these videos provides only abroad overview and is not comprehensive. It is not a substitute for legal advice specific to your own needs, nor should it be relied upon exclusively.You should consult a qualified professional (for example a European patent attorney) before taking any actions that could impact your business.

Do you need a patent attorney to file a patent application?In this episode, you’ll learn:When you can file yourself and when expert helpis required. About the benefits of professionalrepresentation How to find the right attorney for your businessneedsThe general information in these videos provides only abroad overview and is not comprehensive. It is not a substitute for legal advice specific to your own needs, nor should it be relied upon exclusively. You should consult a qualified professional (for example a European patentattorney) before taking any actions that could impact your business.

How is artificial intelligence changing the way patent professionals search, draft and work with patents? Our expert guests, including patent attorneys, patent searchers and the EPO's Chief Technology Officer, take you on a journey through real-world use cases, ethical consideration and personal experiences with AI in patent practice. From the practical to the forward-looking, this episode explores how AI is already shaping the profession—and what might come next. Narrated by Marguerite McCaughan, EPO Guests: Sébastien Ragot, patent attorney, E. Blum & Co. Ltd.Vipul Mendiratta, project team lead, Caterpillar Tim Powell, patent attorney, chair of the epi Working Group on the use of AI Angel Aledo Lopez, CTO at the EPO Further information: EPO’s AI Policy epi Guidelines: Use of Generative AI in the Work of Patent Attorneys EPO’s Legal Interactive Platform launched

Join two EPO patent examiners as they dish about some of the hottest and coolest inventions in kitchen technology. From air fryers to ice cream machines, discover the stories behind two innovations that have revolutionised home cooking, why patents are so important in the world of kitchen gadgets and the role that big companies and small inventors play. Tune in for a peek into the delicious future of culinary equipment! Moderator: Cristina Lopes Margarido, EPO patent examiner in culinary equipment & food treating devices Guest: Giorgio Acerbis, EPO patent examiner in culinary equipment & food treating devices

Filing a patent application isn’t the same as having agranted patent. In this episode, you’ll understand:The difference between submitting a request forexclusive rights and actually having enforceable patent rights. The publication process, examination rounds,search reports, and when you can actually claim: "I have a patent". The general information in these videos provides only abroad overview and is not comprehensive. It is not a substitute for legal advice specific to your own needs, nor should it be relied upon exclusively. You should consult a qualified professional (for example a European patentattorney) before taking any actions that could impact your business.

Not all technical advancements are patentable. 📌 Discover in this episode:What makes an invention truly “inventive” in away that meets patentability criteria. How this criterion supports technologicaldevelopment The role of the patent system in fosteringinnovation and protecting unique advancements.The general information in these videos provides only abroad overview and is not comprehensive. It is not a substitute for legal advice specific to your own needs, nor should it be relied upon exclusively. You should consult a qualified professional (for example a European patentattorney) before taking any actions that could impact your business.

Intellectual property, such as patents for yourcompany’s technology, can strengthen your elevator pitch. Learn how to say just enough – to the right people at the right time.In this episode, you’ll learn:How a clear IP strategy supports your businessgoals and boosts investor confidence. Understand why protecting your invention is justas important as communicating its value to potential investors.The general information in these videos providesonly a broad overview and is not comprehensive. It is not a substitute for legal advice specific to your own needs, nor should it be relied upon exclusively. You should consult a qualified professional (for example a European patent attorney) before taking any actions that could impact yourbusiness.

The “Out of the Box” mini-series begins with a look at the fascinating world of inventions in the energy sector. From compact switchgear systems hidden inside wind turbines to solar panels floating on water, this episode explores how unexpected inventions are redefining the way energy is generated. A light-hearted conversation between EPO patent examiners reveals how space-saving, sustainable tech is powering up our future – one invention at a time. Moderator: Cristina Lopes Margarido, patent examiner in culinary equipment & food treating devices Guest: Miguel Angel Ruiz Ferrer, patent examiner in electrical components & devices

Standards are the invisible protocols that ensure our devices and services work together seamlessly. But how do they relate to patents? And what does this mean for innovation and competition? Uncover how the interplay between standards and patents shapes technological progress. This discussion dives into how the Unified Patent Court and the Patent Mediation and Arbitration Centre aim to streamline patent litigation and enhance legal coherence across Europe. Finally, we introduce the European Patent Office's new dataset: the Patent Standards Explorer. By linking patent applications to standards documents, it offers a valuable resource for better understanding the innovation journey. More information: Standards and the European patent system, May 2025: full study Patent Standards Explorer dataset "Patents, standards and innovation: securing Europe’s competitive edge" event recording Narrator: Victor Arribas Martinez, Stream Leader, EPO Observatory on Patents and Technology Guest: Pere Arque Castells, Stream Leader, EPO Observatory on Patents and Technology Featuring insights from speakers at the EPO Observatory’s "Patents, standards and innovation: securing Europe’s competitive edge" event: Gabriele Mohsler, Vice President Patent Creation Management, Ericsson Kirti Gupta, Vice President and Chief Economist of Global Technology, Cornerstone Research Bowman Heiden, Director of the Center for Intellectual Property (CIP), University of Gothenburg Justus Baron, Director of BRELA and Research Director, Northwestern University Center on Law, Business and Economics Aleš Zalar, Director, Patent Mediation and Arbitration Centre, Unified Patent Court Rian Kalden, Presiding judge of the 2nd panel of the Court of Appeal, Unified Patent Court Alexander Haertel, Cluster Lead Patents, Deutsche Telekom Sophie Pasquier, Principal Licensing Counsel, Philips