20 EPO Interview Questions and Answers

The EPO is a unique organization, and as such, the interview process is different from what you might expect at a traditional company. EPO interviewers are looking for candidates who are not only knowledgeable about the patent process, but also have a strong understanding of the EPO’s mission and values.

To help you prepare for your interview, we’ve compiled a list of EPO-specific interview questions that you may be asked. These questions will test your knowledge of the patent process, as well as your ability to think critically about the EPO’s role in the global intellectual property landscape. With these questions in mind, you’ll be well on your way to impressing your interviewer and landing the job.

EPO Interview Process

The interview process at EPO is long, difficult, and overall unpleasant. It consists of a written test, followed by a technical interview, and finally an in-person interview. The written test is difficult, and the technical interview is even more so. The in-person interview is the most difficult part of the process, and is where most candidates are eliminated.

1. What is your experience working with patents?

This question can help the interviewer understand your experience with patents and how you might apply that knowledge to the role. If you have no prior experience, consider describing a time when you applied for a patent or helped someone else do so.

Example: “I’ve worked as an engineer for five years now, and I’ve always been interested in learning more about intellectual property rights. So, I took a course on IP law last year and learned how to file for a provisional patent. It was a lot of work, but it was rewarding to see my idea come to life.”

2. Describe the most challenging patent application you have ever dealt with.

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience with patent applications and how you handle difficult situations. To answer, think of a time when you had to research or interpret information for a client’s application.

Example: “The most challenging patent application I have ever worked on was for a new type of car engine that could run on water. The inventor wanted to protect his idea in all European countries, but he didn’t know the process well enough to complete the paperwork himself. He hired me to help him file the application, which took several months because we had to do extensive research and provide detailed descriptions of the technology.”

3. Do you have any knowledge of patent law?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the field and how you can apply it in your role. If you have experience with patent law, share an example of when you used that knowledge to help someone or solve a problem.

Example: “I’ve worked as a patent attorney for five years now, so I’m very familiar with the process of applying for patents and what’s required. In my previous position, I helped a client who was having trouble getting their application approved because they didn’t include all the necessary information. After reviewing their submission, I realized they had forgotten to include one of the drawings from their original application. Once we resubmitted the drawing, our client got approval within two weeks.”

4. Have you worked in a remote environment before? How would you deal with that?

The European Patent Office is a remote workplace, so the interviewer wants to know how you would handle that. Your answer should show your ability to work independently and communicate effectively with others.

Example: “I have worked in a remote environment before, but I prefer working in an office setting where I can collaborate with my colleagues. However, I am used to communicating via email and phone calls, so I think I could manage working remotely for this role.”

5. Give us an example of when you had to explain complex information to someone without any technical background.

This question is a great way to show your communication skills and ability to simplify complex information. When answering this question, try to think of an example that shows you can explain technical concepts in simple terms.

Example: “When I was working as a patent examiner at the USPTO, I had a client who wanted to patent his invention for a new type of car engine. He was very excited about his idea but didn’t have any background knowledge on how patents worked. I explained the process of applying for a patent and helped him understand what he needed to do to protect his idea.”

6. As a Patent Examiner, what do you think are some important qualities for the job?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you have a good understanding of what it takes to be successful in this role. You can answer by listing some of the most important qualities and explaining why they are important.

Example: “I think one of the most important qualities for this job is attention to detail, as I would need to thoroughly review each application to ensure that all requirements are met. Another quality I feel is important is communication skills, as I would need to work with other patent examiners and communicate with inventors about their applications.”

7. Tell me about a time where you were really proud at work, what made it so special?

This question is a great way to learn more about your interviewer and their values. It’s also an opportunity for you to share something positive about yourself, which can be helpful if you’re nervous or unsure of what to say.

Example: “I was really proud when I helped my team win the annual patent competition last year. We had been working on our project for months, and it felt amazing to see all that hard work pay off. The judges were impressed with our presentation, and we ended up winning first place.”

8. How well would you rate your research skills?

The European Patent Office requires its employees to have strong research skills. This question helps the interviewer assess your ability to conduct thorough and accurate research. Use examples from previous jobs or school projects that demonstrate your research abilities.

Example: “I consider myself a very good researcher, as I am always looking for new information on my topic of interest. In my last job, I was tasked with researching the best way to improve our company’s website. After conducting several online searches, I found an article about how companies can use SEO to increase their website traffic. I shared this information with my team, and we implemented some of these strategies into our website.”

9. Explain how you would use up-to-date search technologies and databases to identify relevant prior art?

The interviewer may ask you this question to assess your ability to use technology and databases in your daily work. Prior art is information about a particular invention that was published before the applicant’s patent application, which can invalidate it. In your answer, try to show how you would use search engines and other technologies to find relevant prior art.

Example: “I have extensive experience using search engines and databases to find information online. I would start by searching for keywords related to my client’s invention on Google Scholar and PubMed. Then, I would use the results of these searches to conduct more specific searches on Google Patents and European Patent Office databases. Finally, I would review each result carefully to ensure that it doesn’t contain any prior art.”

10. If hired, what areas of focus would you like to bring to the team?

This question is an opportunity to show your enthusiasm for the role and highlight any relevant skills you have that would be beneficial to the team. When preparing for this interview, think about what you can bring to the organization and how it will benefit from your unique skill set.

Example: “I am passionate about innovation and want to help make sure that inventors are able to protect their ideas in Europe. I also believe that collaboration is key to success, so I would like to work with my colleagues to create a culture of teamwork where we all feel comfortable sharing our ideas.”

11. Tell us why you want to work at EPO.

This question is a great way for employers to learn more about your interest in the role and how you plan to contribute. When preparing an answer, think about what attracted you to this position and why it’s important that you work at EPO.

Example: “I want to work at EPO because I’m passionate about innovation and technology. I believe that patents are essential tools for protecting intellectual property and encouraging new ideas. In my last role as a patent examiner, I was able to help inventors secure their rights and protect their products from being copied or used without permission. It was rewarding to see the impact of my work on small businesses and individuals.”

12. Is there anything else we should know about you?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you are a well-rounded person with interests and experiences beyond your career. You can use this time to share any other skills, accomplishments or personal details that may be relevant to the job.

Example: “I have been working as a patent examiner for five years now, but I also enjoy writing fiction in my spare time. In fact, I am currently working on a novel about a woman who works at the EPO.”

13. Why did you decide to become a Patent Examiner?

This question is an opportunity to show your passion for the role. You can talk about how you became interested in patents and intellectual property law, or you can discuss a specific experience that inspired you to apply for this position.

Example: “Ever since I was young, I’ve been fascinated by science and technology. When I learned about patent law, it seemed like such an interesting way to combine my love of innovation with my interest in the law. As someone who has always enjoyed solving puzzles, I find the work of a patent examiner very rewarding.”

14. How important is teamwork in this position?

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your ability to work with others. This is because the EPO has a large staff and requires employees to collaborate effectively. Your answer should show that you are willing to work as part of a team.

Example: “I believe teamwork is essential in any position, especially one where I would be working with other patent examiners. Collaborating with my colleagues can help me learn from their experiences and improve my own performance. In fact, I have found that when I seek advice from more experienced professionals, it helps me develop my skills and become an expert myself.”

15. Can you tell me about a time when you disagreed with another examiner on a project, what happened?

This question can help interviewers understand how you work with others and your ability to collaborate. It’s important to show that you’re willing to communicate respectfully with others, even if you disagree with them.

Example: “I once disagreed with another examiner on a project I was working on where we were both responsible for different aspects of the patent application. The other examiner wanted to submit an application without including some of the information required by EPO standards. I politely explained why this would be problematic and suggested ways we could meet the requirements while still submitting the application in a timely manner.”

16. Would you say you enjoy problem solving?

The European Patent Office is a place where you’ll be solving problems on a daily basis. The interviewer wants to know if you enjoy this type of work and how well you can handle it.

Example: “I love problem solving, especially when I’m working with others to solve them. In my last position, we had a lot of issues with our software that would cause the system to crash. We worked together as a team to find solutions to these problems and eventually fixed all of them. It was a great feeling knowing that we were able to fix something that seemed so complicated.”

17. How do you keep yourself focused and motivated during a long day?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your work ethic and how you manage a long day. To answer, think of a time when you had a particularly busy or challenging day at work. Explain what helped you stay focused and motivated throughout the day.

Example: “I find that having a routine helps me keep my focus during a long day. I also make sure to take regular breaks throughout the day so that I can recharge myself and return to work feeling energized. Another thing that motivates me is knowing that I am helping others by performing my job well.”

18. What kind of methods do you use to ensure accuracy within data entry?

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your attention to detail and accuracy. To answer, you can describe a time when you used specific methods or tools to ensure that data was accurate in previous roles.

Example: “I use several methods to ensure the accuracy of my data entry. First, I always double-check my work for any typos or mistakes before submitting it. Second, I make sure to enter all information into the system as quickly as possible so there is less room for error. Finally, I take advantage of the auto-correct feature on my computer software to help me avoid common spelling errors.”

19. Do you have experience teaching or mentoring others?

The EPO is looking for candidates who can help their team members develop and grow. If you have experience teaching or mentoring others, share your story with the interviewer to show how you’ve helped others succeed in the past.

Example: “I was a TA for my college’s computer science program last semester. I enjoyed helping students understand difficult concepts and encouraging them to ask questions when they didn’t understand something. I also volunteered as an instructor at a coding camp this summer. It was rewarding to see kids learn new skills and build confidence.”

20. What types of documents would you be most interested in examining?

The interviewer may ask this question to determine your level of interest in the work you would do at EPO. To answer, consider what types of documents you enjoy reading and which ones are most relevant to patent law.

Example: “I am interested in examining all types of documents that relate to patents. I find it interesting to see how different people interpret patent laws and regulations. In my last role, I reviewed many patent applications each day, so I have experience with this type of work.”