EPC reference books
If you are preparing for the EPAC or EQE, you will definitely need an EPC and a PCT reference book. In this post, I will list the different EPC reference books I am aware of. I am also summarising some of their advantages and disadvantages, adding my honest but personal opinion.
When it comes to the best EPC reference book, there are strong opinions out there, everyone is advocating for the book they used. Please keep in mind that you don’t necessarily have to follow your colleague’s or my advice. Many will recommend Visser as that is the most known book, but that doesn’t mean it will work for you too. The EPC.App is relatively new, so your colleagues might not have heard about that option yet, but you might find it helpful and convenient, as many candidates do. Some candidates like Hoekstra’s reference book because it is huge, but others dislike it for the exact same reason.
I met candidates who struggled with one book, but then switched to another one a few months before the exam and it worked for them way better. So, I highly recommend checking out all of these options, and see if you like them or not. While it is not advised to switch your reference book shortly before the exam, do not hesitate to try another book a few months before the exam if you feel the current one does not work for you.
Moreover, please don’t forget that whatever book you choose, simply buying a book will not help you pass the exam. You will have to spend a lot of time with your chosen materials to tab, highlight, annotate and get to know them. (I know, this almost sounds like the description of a romantic relationship…)
My LinkedIn poll about the EPC reference books in April 2023
EPC
Visser’s Annotated European Patent Convention
This book was the first annotated EPC reference (first edition in 1994), and (or therefore?) it is the most known and most frequently used. In the LinkedIn poll I recently created, Visser was the absolute winner as the most popular EPC reference book (see the poll result above).
Personally, I haven't used the Visser EPC reference book yet, but I will start using it as soon as the version for EQE 2024 comes out. I’m looking forward to sharing my experience with you next year!
One advantage of the Visser book is that it is really concise, contains everything that is important but still has a practical size. The book includes two main parts: the articles of the EPC followed by the implementing regulations (the rules), each with the respective commentary. Some additional sections are included as well (e.g. Rules relating to UPC and a summary of G Decisions).
There is an index at the back for easy keyword search. Having a good index is so beneficial, in the first few months of studying you will use that part the most often! 🙂
A part of the index
The online version available as part of Kluwer IP Law is already updated to the 2023 edition, the print version will be available very soon. The official release date of the updated version for EQE 2024 is 10 May 2023.
A few thoughts about Visser from the comments under my LinkedIn poll:
References to the European Patent Convention (Hoekstra)
If you have been following my EQE blog for a while, you probably noticed that I used Hoekstra's EPC reference book during my preparation. My reason for using this book was very simple, I got a free copy from the EPO in their Candidate Support Program. I started using it and it worked for me, so I haven't tried other books before my exam.
My tabbed Hoekstra EPC reference book
As I mentioned above, no matter which book you choose, you will have to personalise it and use it for months so that you get used to it and become quick at finding the information you are looking for.
I liked that it includes EVERYTHING you might need in one place, close to the Articles. The rules, parts of the Guidelines and most important T/G/J decisions are all mentioned under a certain Article. The flowcharts and small overview tables with the time limits, consequences, and available remedies are exceedingly useful. Since the Articles are listed in sequence in the book, most people find it easy to navigate. For example, if you encounter an exam question about languages, you can open your book at Art. 14 EPC, and the related Rules, decisions, overviews will all be there.
This is what the flowcharts and tables in the book look like
If you have the Hoekstra reference book, you can use that for most of the EQE questions as it also includes the Euro-PCT guide, the Rules Relating to Fees, and further useful annexes. I rarely had to open the Guidelines as the Hoekstra reference book includes the relevant parts of it.
The disadvantage is that it is huge, so it can take time to find certain things in it (e.g. the part about opposition is really long, many candidates struggle with finding the answer for opposition related questions). Because of its size, it can be cumbersome to take it with you to the office, home, or if you are travelling. The paper quality is unfortunately not the best, the papers are thin and sometimes see-through.
The updated version for EQE 2024 will be available in August.
A few thoughts about Hoekstra reference book from the comments under my LinkedIn poll:
EPC.App
Last year I also started using the EPC.App to have the most recent version of the EPC, and to be able to travel anywhere without having to take a physical book with me. Before going into the details, let me tell you that I find the name confusing. This is actually not an app for your smartphone but simply a website that you can open after signing up (free for the first month, then you can pay for a 3-month period or a year; students pay a discounted fee). I actually prefer that it is a website, it is very convenient to use. So, don’t be discouraged by the name “App”.
Undeniably, EPC.App has great advantages. Firstly, it is online, so it is easy to search electronically, and you can keep studying wherever you are. You can also print your annotated version a few months before the EQE to have a physical copy. (Unfortunately, you must do this for the EQE, as you cannot access EPC.App online from WISEflow, the exam software.) Secondly, we can save trees by not printing and shipping huge books over Europe. 🌳
Another huge advantage is that the editors keep updating it continuously. In case you find any error, they will correct it within a few hours (tested 🙋🏽♀️). You don't have to wait a full year for a new version. Also, with EPC.App, your notes and annotations will also stay in the updated version, so you can always use the most recent version, but your comments will not disappear.
EPC.App is relatively new, this is the reason why it scored last in my LinkedIn poll (see the result at the top of this post).
For new subscribers for an annual license of either EPC.App or PCT.App, there is currently a 20% early bird discount that you can use until 31 May 2023.
Discount code: 6WYG96U8
FYI: I don’t get anything if you subscribe.
A screenshot from EPC.App
As you can see, anything that is related is linked to the certain Article. On the right side, you can see the Author’s helpful comments, summaries. You can also add your own comments (both electronically or on paper).
A few thoughts about the EPC.App from the comments under my LinkedIn poll:
I’ve received a few comments about the German and French reference books:
“In German, besides the EPC.App and the PCT.App, there is for example the Kley/Gundlach if you like "big" books and the "EPÜ- und PCT-Tabellen" by Düwel. Personally, I have only used the first two, but I heard praise in particular also for the last book that is tabulated with EPC and PCT side-by-side.”
“I used the EPC and PCT tables by Düwel and they are great for D and any other legal questions, because you can find the Articles and Rules grouped by topic with references to other relevant legal texts (Articles/Rules, Guidelines, case law,...) in the last column so you can quickly find any relevant answers to questions once you found something related. In the back you find an index and a summary of all G desicions in case you need to look up the guiding principles.”
“For French people, we do have a book that is widely used and very convenient: https://www.gregorybaque.com/”
In the next tutoring season I will use Visser and EPC.App to be able to give my personal opinion about all EPC reference books.
Do you have any comments about the EPC reference books?
We (me and the EQE candidates) would love to hear your opinion!