EPO News

The European Patent Organisation is currently testing AI-assisted minutes (protocols) in oral proceedings, particularly in videoconferences. In this process, the proceedings are audio-recorded, automatically transcribed, and subsequently processed into minutes with the support of AI systems. Despite the use of technology, the responsibility for checking, correcting, and approving the minutes remains entirely with the respective EPO divisions. The audio recordings and transcripts do not become part of the file and are deleted once the minutes have been finalized. The initiative is part of a broader digitization strategy at the EPO intended to make the course of proceedings more efficient and consistent.