Yet More Grants!
The number of patents granted by the EPO in 2016 was much higher
than in any previous year and a high level of grants was maintained
in the first half of 2017.
EPO grants are preceded by notices of allowance which, generally
speaking, are issued about six months before grant takes place.
Based on the number of allowances in the first half of 2017, it
seems likely that the level of grants will be even higher in the
second half of 2017, with around 60,000 grants likely.
This means that the total number of grants in 2017 will probably
exceed 100,000.
More Grants = More Patents Opposed?
Given the EPO opposition term of nine months from grant and
given that by far the greater proportion of oppositions are filed
towards the very end of the opposition term, increased grants could
be expected to be followed nine months – three quarters of a
year – later by an increase in the number of patents
opposed.
