The Candidate Support Programme (CSP) offered by the European Patent Office (EPO) in cooperation with member states of the European Patent Organisation fosters greater inclusion, skills development and balance in the patent profession in Europe.

 

From 2026, the programme is being expanded to include the European patent administration certification (EPAC). The EPAC certifies that paralegals, patent administrators and formalities officers have the necessary knowledge and skills to independently and autonomously carry out the procedures associated with filing, processing, granting and maintaining European and international patent applications before the EPO. 

 

One place for Swiss candidates

 

Switzerland also participates in the CSP and can nominate a candidate for the programme. The selected candidates will receive a financial bursary as well as tutoring and training to prepare for the EPAC exam in October 2026. Anyone residing and working in Switzerland is eligible to participate.

 

The application period will begin on 30 January 2026 and end on 19 February 2026. We’ll publish the terms and conditions of participation and the link to the application form on our website in mid-January 2026.

 

The IPI will select the candidate together with representatives of the patent profession by the beginning of March 2026. The CSP training courses and tutoring will start in mid-March 2026.