The May 24 and 25 event examined advancing cooperation to improve the quality and efficiency of the European patent system, and better serve inventors and industry.

The 37 national patent office representations included EPO’s two extension states and the EU Intellectual Property Office in an observer capacity.

This year's conference marked the completion of the cooperation roadmap, launched in 2012 and which has since seen EPO invest some EUR150 million in joint activities and projects with its member states.

EPO conference also overviewed recent economic and technology topics, with a number of Cypriot innovation and research initiatives presenting their success in using the patent system.