This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the European patent system by the EPO. With the signing of the European Patent Convention (EPC) in Munich on October 5, 1973, the EPO ushered in the world a new era of economic and technological development, a process that still affects our lives today.
To mark the 50th anniversary of the European patent system, the EPO will launch a program of special events in 2023, designed to commemorate the vision of the founders who wanted to see closer cooperation, peace and prosperity among the nations of Europe. The series of celebrations includes: an international symposium on 5 October 2023, an EPO documentary, artworks by some artists inspired by paper patents, and an event for schools and children in 39 member states provided educational materials and launched a collaborative art competition for children to stimulate young people's curiosity about the world of future inventions. Various activities will be rich in diversity and inclusion, and there will also be staff sports events within the EPO.
