20th Annual Co-operation Meeting of the European Patent Office in Split (Croatia)

The MCIPO took part in the 20th annual co-operation meeting of the European Patent Office (EPO), held on 11 and 12 May 2026 in Split, Croatia, alongside national intellectual property offices.

The event brought together over 80 participants, including 27 heads of office and key stakeholders, to discuss the key forces shaping innovation ecosystems and to define shared priorities for the European Patent Network (EPN).

Discussions focused on key challenges for the coming years, such as the integration of artificial intelligence into the patent granting process, the development of shared data infrastructures, and the introduction of services or events aimed at providing better access to the patent system for SMEs, startups and first-time users.

Beyond the strategic discussions, this meeting also highlighted the strength of European cooperation and the importance of working together to build a more agile, inclusive and forward-looking innovation ecosystem.

Thank you to the EPO and the Croatian Intellectual Property Office for organising this inspiring and fruitful event.

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From left to right: Antonio Campinos, President of the European Patent Office (EPO),

Iris De Poulain, Luxembourg Intellectual Property Office (OPI),

Gilles Requena, Chief Patent Research and Policy Officer (EPO),

Jean-Pierre Santos, Monaco Industrial Property Office (MCIPO).