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ARTICLE · 10 AUGUST 2026

European Patent Office Updates Its Guidelines For Examination

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The European Patent Office has released its April 2026 Guidelines for Examination, introducing significant changes to procedural and substantive patent law. Key updates include modifications to the PACE acceleration program, new claim interpretation standards following the G1/24 decision, relaxed novelty requirements for products placed on the market under G1/23, and refined guidance on further medical use claims under Article 54(5) EPC.

GlobalIntellectual Property
Matthew Hampton
Matthew Hampton
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The Guidelines for Examination in the European Patent Office (EPO Guidelines) are publicly accessible instructions on the practice and procedure to be followed in the various aspects of the examination of European patent applications and patents in accordance with the European Patent Convention (EPC) and its Implementing Regulations. The EPO Guidelines are routinely modified to reflect changes in procedure and in the application of law. The April 2026 edition entered into force on 1 April 2026, superseding the April 2025 edition.

1. Updates in Procedural Matters

The updated EPO Guidelines include important changes in certain procedural matters before the European Patent Office (EPO):

  • The Programme for Accelerated Prosecution of European Patent Applications (PACE)is a mechanism by which applicants can accelerate the grant procedure before the EPO, with the aim of obtaining key communications for the applicant (such as the communication of intention to grant under Rule 71(3) EPC)

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