Join host Cristina Margarido and immunology expert Helena Domingues as they explore how groundbreaking health inventions are transforming lives.
From immune checkpoint inhibitors revolutionising cancer therapy to the surprising medical uses of Botox, they discuss the science behind these innovations, the increasing complexity of patent applications in these fields and the rewarding role of patent examiners in helping to bring these “out of the box” ideas into the real world.
Host: Cristina Lopes Margarido, EPO patent examiner in culinary equipment & food treating devices
Guests: Helena Domingues, EPO patent examiner in immunology
In recent years the worlds of public research and startups have become more linked than ever, attracting a high share of investment and playing a vital role in European competitiveness.
But this wasn't always the case. In this episode, cancer immunologist and entrepreneur Dr Jérôme Galon sheds light on how researchers have found increasing acceptance and support as they branch into business.
To illustrate this, the 2019 European Inventor Award winner shares his journey as an INSERM researcher and successful biotech founder, discussing the pivotal role of technology transfer offices, what it takes to turn groundbreaking discoveries into real-world impact and the evolving role of today's scientists. The conversation is accompanied by insights from the EPO Observatory's recent study on “The role of European public research in patenting and innovation.”
Host: Victor Arribas Martinez, Stream leader, EPO Observatory on Patents and Technology
Guests: Dr. Jérôme Galon, Cancer immunologist and research director, French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM)
More information:
The global population is growing, and digital agriculture is reshaping food production to meet their needs.
So, where is farming being re-invented and who's behind it? Join experts as they discuss the rise of cutting-edge technologies like AI robotics, data analytics and automation, sharing examples such as automated fruit trackers and smart farming platforms. Hear how public research bodies and private firms are collaborating to drive innovation, and what challenges Europe must tackle to stay ahead.
Host:
Marguerite McCaughan, Communications Manager, EPO
Guests:
Victor Veefkind, Patent Examiner in Detergents, Explosives, Fertilisers and Stream Leader for Technology Intelligence at the EPO’s Observatory
Christopher Armstrong, Manager of Start -ups & Open Innovation, German Agricultural Society
Stanley Oliveira, Senior Researcher, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA)
More information: Technology insight report “Digital Agriculture - Towards Sustainable Food Security”New technology platform on Digital Agriculture
Think a patent shouldn't have been granted?
This episode explains:
The general information in these videos provides only abroad overview and is not comprehensive. It is not a substitute for legal advice specific to your own needs, nor should it be relied upon exclusively.You should consult a qualified professional (for example a European patent attorney) before taking any actions that could impact your business.
Can software be patented? Discover how computer-implemented inventions - including AI and quantum computing - can qualify for patent protection.
In this episode, you’ll learn about the criteria under the European patent system, including the requirement to solve a technical problem in a novel and non-obvious way.
The general information in these videos provides only abroad overview and is not comprehensive. It is not a substitute for legal advice specific to your own needs, nor should it be relied upon exclusively. You should consult a qualified professional (for example a European patentattorney) before taking any actions that could impact your business.
Do you need a patent attorney to file a patent application?
In this episode, you’ll learn:
The general information in these videos provides only abroad overview and is not comprehensive. It is not a substitute for legal advice specific to your own needs, nor should it be relied upon exclusively. You should consult a qualified professional (for example a European patentattorney) before taking any actions that could impact your business.
In fast-evolving technical fields, timing can be everything.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
The general information in these videos provides only abroad overview and is not comprehensive. It is not a substitute for legal advice specific to your own needs, nor should it be relied upon exclusively. You should consult a qualified professional (for example a European patentattorney) before taking any actions that could impact your business.
How is artificial intelligence changing the way patent professionals search, draft and work with patents? Our expert guests, including patent attorneys, patent searchers and the EPO's Chief Technology Officer, take you on a journey through real-world use cases, ethical consideration and personal experiences with AI in patent practice.
From the practical to the forward-looking, this episode explores how AI is already shaping the profession—and what might come next.
Narrated by Marguerite McCaughan, EPO
Guests:
Further information:
epi Guidelines: Use of Generative AI in the Work of Patent Attorneys
A patent is not automatically valid everywhere.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
The general information in these videos provides only abroad overview and is not comprehensive. It is not a substitute for legal advice specific to your own needs, nor should it be relied upon exclusively. You should consult a qualified professional (for example a European patentattorney) before taking any actions that could impact your business.
Join two EPO patent examiners as they dish about some of the hottest and coolest inventions in kitchen technology. From air fryers to ice cream machines, discover the stories behind two innovations that have revolutionised home cooking, why patents are so important in the world of kitchen gadgets and the role that big companies and small inventors play. Tune in for a peek into the delicious future of culinary equipment!
Moderator:
Cristina Lopes Margarido, EPO patent examiner in culinary equipment & food treating devices
Guest:
Giorgio Acerbis, EPO patent examiner in culinary equipment & food treating devices
Congratulations! Now that your patent is granted, what arethe next steps?
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Note: Holding a granted patent does not confer anabsolute right to commercially exploit the invention; such exploitation remains subject to compliance with other applicable laws and regulations, including, for example, regulatory approvals and commercial or competition law.
The general information in these videos provides only abroad overview and is not comprehensive. It is not a substitute for legal advice specific to your own needs, nor should it be relied upon exclusively. You should consult a qualified professional (for example a European patentattorney) before taking any actions that could impact your business.
Filing a patent application isn’t the same as having agranted patent.
In this episode, you’ll understand:
The general information in these videos provides only abroad overview and is not comprehensive. It is not a substitute for legal advice specific to your own needs, nor should it be relied upon exclusively. You should consult a qualified professional (for example a European patentattorney) before taking any actions that could impact your business.
Solar energy is more integrated into our daily lives than ever before, powering homes, cities and even wearable devices. What’s driving this transformation, and how are innovation and policy shaping the future of photovoltaics?
Join inventors, startup founders and policymakers as they discuss the latest breakthroughs in photovoltaics, from hydrogen-generating inventions to floating solar farms. Learn how European policy and EPO tools like the Deep Tech Finder are accelerating innovation, and discover what lies ahead for this rapidly evolving clean energy sector.
Moderator:
Marguerite McCaughan, Communications Manager, EPO
Guests:
António Duarte, CEO, Solarisfloat
Johan Martens, Inventor and professor, KU Leuven
Carina Faber, Programme manager for renewable energy conversion and alternative resource exploitation, European Innovation Council
Not all technical advancements are patentable.
📌 Discover in this episode:
The general information in these videos provides only abroad overview and is not comprehensive. It is not a substitute for legal advice specific to your own needs, nor should it be relied upon exclusively. You should consult a qualified professional (for example a European patentattorney) before taking any actions that could impact your business.
Before filing a patent application, make sure your inventionis ready. It’s not just about having a great idea – you need the technical details in place.
This episode explains:
The general information in these videos providesonly a broad overview and is not comprehensive. It is not a substitute for legal advice specific to your own needs, nor should it be relied upon exclusively. You should consult a qualified professional (for example a European patent attorney) before taking any actions that could impact yourbusiness.
Intellectual property, such as patents for yourcompany’s technology, can strengthen your elevator pitch. Learn how to say just enough – to the right people at the right time.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
The general information in these videos providesonly a broad overview and is not comprehensive. It is not a substitute for legal advice specific to your own needs, nor should it be relied upon exclusively. You should consult a qualified professional (for example a European patent attorney) before taking any actions that could impact yourbusiness.
This “Out of the box” mini-series digs into agricultural innovation - where soil meets science. From a legendary rivalry that turned tractor tech into automotive breakthroughs to a surprising twist on solar panels powering greenhouses, it explores two inventive stories that are reshaping how we grow, eat and energise. Listen for a fresh take on agri-tech that’s anything but ordinary.
Moderator:
Cristina Lopes Margarido, patent examiner in culinary equipment & food treating devices
Guests:
Ricardo Oltra Garcia, patent examiner in agriculture
The “Out of the Box” mini-series begins with a look at the fascinating world of inventions in the energy sector. From compact switchgear systems hidden inside wind turbines to solar panels floating on water, this episode explores how unexpected inventions are redefining the way energy is generated. A light-hearted conversation between EPO patent examiners reveals how space-saving, sustainable tech is powering up our future – one invention at a time.
Moderator:
Cristina Lopes Margarido, patent examiner in culinary equipment & food treating devices
Guest:
Miguel Angel Ruiz Ferrer, patent examiner in electrical components & devices
In this episode of Talk Innovation, host Ed Cooke sits down with Valentyn Frechka, the co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Releaf Paper, in a conversation recorded during a live online event. Valentyn shares his remarkable journey of turning a school project into a business that transforms fallen leaves into raw material for the paper and packaging industry. Along the way, Valentyn offers insights into the challenges of turning an invention into a successful business, adapting to existing industry processes, the role of intellectual property in business strategy and the importance of picking the right team.
Moderator: Ed Cooke, EPO patent examiner
Guest: Valentyn Frechka, co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Releaf Paper. Second place winner of the EPO’s Young Inventors Prize 2024
Standards are the invisible protocols that ensure our devices and services work together seamlessly. But how do they relate to patents? And what does this mean for innovation and competition?
Uncover how the interplay between standards and patents shapes technological progress. This discussion dives into how the Unified Patent Court and the Patent Mediation and Arbitration Centre aim to streamline patent litigation and enhance legal coherence across Europe.
Finally, we introduce the European Patent Office's new dataset: the Patent Standards Explorer. By linking patent applications to standards documents, it offers a valuable resource for better understanding the innovation journey.
More information:
Standards and the European patent system, May 2025: full study
Patent Standards Explorer dataset
"Patents, standards and innovation: securing Europe’s competitive edge" event recording
Narrator: Victor Arribas Martinez, Stream Leader, EPO Observatory on Patents and Technology
Guest: Pere Arque Castells, Stream Leader, EPO Observatory on Patents and Technology
Featuring insights from speakers at the EPO Observatory’s "Patents, standards and innovation: securing Europe’s competitive edge" event:
Gabriele Mohsler, Vice President Patent Creation Management, Ericsson
Kirti Gupta, Vice President and Chief Economist of Global Technology, Cornerstone Research
Bowman Heiden, Director of the Center for Intellectual Property (CIP), University of Gothenburg
Justus Baron, Director of BRELA and Research Director, Northwestern University Center on Law, Business and Economics
Aleš Zalar, Director, Patent Mediation and Arbitration Centre, Unified Patent Court
Rian Kalden, Presiding judge of the 2nd panel of the Court of Appeal, Unified Patent Court
Alexander Haertel, Cluster Lead Patents, Deutsche Telekom
Sophie Pasquier, Principal Licensing Counsel, Philips