EQE Candidate Support Program (CSP) : oproep van Octrooicentrum Nederland

Het CSP biedt geselecteerde kandidaten financiële, coaching- en trainingsondersteuning om zich voor te bereiden op het EQE of EPAC. Nederland komt ook in aanmerking voor deze actie. 

De voorwaarden en aanmeldingsformulieren staan op de website van het Europees Octrooibureau. 

In het kort:

EQE candidates eligible for the CSP 2026 must reside and work in an EPO member state where:
1. The proportion of grandfathers to EQE-qualified European patent attorneys exceeds 2.
2. The male-to-female ratio of European patent attorneys is above 50%. 
Netherlands may select and nominate up to two female EQE candidates.

Key Dates for EQE CSP 2026 

• Applications open: 8 July 2025 
• Applications close: 15 August 2025 
• Candidate selection by Netherlands Patent Office: September 2025 
• Training begins: October 2025

The CSP is currently targeting candidates preparing for EQE 2026 who are enrolled for paper F or papers M1 and M2. 
The SCP program for supporting EQE candidates will run next year as well, and in addition will extend the support for the EPAC candidates as of 2026. 
Each Member states will be eligible to nominate one candidate for EPAC support.

To apply a candidate must complete the CSP application form (provided by the EPO) and submit it to the Netherlands Patent Office (octrooicentrum@rvo.nl) along with proof of permanent residency, a motivation letter and a support letter from their employer.

For more information on the Candidate Support Program please visit the dedicated CSP information page.