I started this blog in 2020, while preparing for the EQE main exams. After passing all exams for the first time with flying colours, I started supporting other candidates on their EQE journey.
Since then, I tutored more than 150 candidates regularly (on a weekly basis), including people from prestigious companies such as the EPO, Finnegan, Keltie LLP, Grünecker, Maiwald, Hoffmann Eitle, Barker Brettell, Brann AB, Laine IP, Bergenstråhle & Partners, Nestle, Kuhnen & Wacker, Betten & Resch, P&TS, Appleyard Lees, Onsagers, Abel+Imray, Simmons & Simmons, Clarke Modet, Pirelli, Adidas, Novo Nordisk, Knauf, tesa SE, Japan Tobacco International and Roche and held about 300 meetings as an EQE tutor.
Hi, I am Zsofia,
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Calendar for EQE 2025
In EQE 2025, no calendars will be provided with the examination papers. The basis for calculating time limits are the days on which the EPO filing offices are closed as published in the Official Journal.
I prepared the EQE calendars for you using the new OJ EPO 2024, A91.
My printable materials
I have prepared a lot of tables, lists for myself for the EQE and I shared all of them here, on my blog with you, in different blog articles. To find them easier, I am sharing them again, in one place.
Feel free to print them all. If you found them useful, please consider donating (optional, of course:)).
If you have any feedback, I would be happy to hear them!
EPC vs. PCT
In this post I listed the most important differences between EPC and PCT that can be relevant for the EQE and EPAC.
My 2024 Paper D1 answer
Shortly after Paper D 2024 I also answered the D1 questions out of curiousity, but I was not sure whether I should publish them. However, since a few candidates asked, here we go. I do have some disclaimers though!
Mock Paper D1
I have organised an online Mock Paper D1 exam for Paper D candidates. The schedule was the exact same as the real schedule, so we started at 9:30 (CET), with one break between 11:05-11:35.
I have mostly updated and modified old D1 questions to create these questions. Ignacio Lobato also double checked and answered them (independently) to make sure they are clear enough.
Today’s date, the distribution of the questions and marks was also the same as that of Paper D: part 1 of the Mock D1 exam included 2 questions for 26 marks altogether, and part 2 included 3 questions for 29 marks in total.
Priority related legal basis
New printable material for Paper D1!
I have created a table with the priority related topics, providing legal basis from EPC, PCT and PC. I made sure that it is one page only to make it easily printable and usable during the exam.
Pete Pollard was very kind; he double checked and improved this table.
New R.126(2) EPC and the 7-day rule
Most people are happy that we don't have to use the 10-day rule anymore. However, do you know how the new R.126(2) EPC works? Is the 7-day rule easier to deal with?
You might have heard that the new R.126(2) is similar to the time limit calculation in PCT. But this information only helps if you know how time limit calculation works in PCT. :)
So, here is your refresher about the 7-day rule.
What to do in the last month before the EQE?
One month left until the EQE… In this post, I am sharing my tips for this remaining period.
Last-minute PCT refresher for CIPA
I was asked to provide a short presentation as a last-minute PCT refresher for EQE candidates. The event took place online, on 12th February 2024 and was organised by CIPA Informals. More than 150 candidates attended.
In this post you can download my presentation in PDF format.
Unitary patent in the EQE
From this year, Unitary patent might be tested in the EQE as it is part of the syllabus.
However, it is likely that there will be no Unitary patent related questions in the EQE 2024. Regardless, it might make sense to spend 1-2 hours refreshing that topic, especially because this knowledge will also come handy in real life.
Advent Calendar 2023
In this post I am sharing the content of my EQE Advent calendar with you that you could follow on LinkedIn from 1 December. If you missed any of the daily posts or would like to read them again, here you can find them all.
Calendar for EQE 2024
In EQE 2024, no calendars will be provided with the examination papers. The basis for calculating time limits are the days on which the EPO filing offices are closed as published in the Official Journal.
I prepared the EQE calendars for you using the new OJ 2023 EPO A80.
Notes from the Tutors’ meeting
The yearly Tutors' meeting took place on 18-19 October. In this post, I summarised the most interesting and helpful tips and points related to Paper D.
What documents to print for D1 questions
While it is not the best idea to have hundreds of books with you that you never used (because there is no time to search in them), why not have some important documents at hand that you might need just to double check something? I collected a few documents that you can print for the Paper D just in case.
Official languages of the 39 EPC Contracting States
I prepared a downloadable PDF document with the official languages of the 39 Contracting States.
G decisions
G decisions are the decisions of the Enlarged Board of Appeal in order to ensure the uniform application of the European Patent Convention (EPC).
In the first part of the Paper D exam (part DI), G decisions often have to be cited, since they are part of the core knowledge. I have now collected the most important G decisions for the EQE that you can also print for the exam.
Overview of ISAs
New PCT material alert! I prepared a downloadable PDF document with the competent ISAs for each RO.
10-day rule in EQE 2024
On 26th June the Supervisory Board published a notice that both the 10-day rule and NO 10-day rule will be accepted in the next EQE. Please read the details to find out which is the default.
Free PCT refresher with Cees Mulder
Yes, you are not dreaming. A completely free PCT refresher course is happening in 2023 again! TWICE!
The post has been updated with a new registration form for the second session.
Real-time e-EQE methodology sessions in 2023
Join me on Zoom to learn my e-EQE methodology!
Many of you requested that I do “real-time e-EQE methodology sessions” in 2023 as well. This was the most popular event last year, I have received so many positive feedbacks! A lot of you said that you used the same methodology and passed.
Thank you!
I really hope you found my free templates and printable documents helpful!
If you would like support my work, you can do that via the link below.
Thank you so much!
Please feel free to reach out or connect on LinkedIn.