Are you interested in obtaining qualification as a European Patent Attorney?

The European Patent Office (EPO) has launched a new Candidate Support Programme (CSP) for applicants preparing to take the European Qualifying Examination (EQE). Passing the EQE grants the right to act as a fully qualified European Patent Attorney before the EPO.

Patent professionals based in Iceland who plan to sit the EQE in 2026 can now apply to join the 2025/2026 CSP cycle.

What is the EQE?

The EQE, established in 1979, is the official examination that qualifies individuals to practise as European Patent Attorneys before the EPO. The exam consists of five written papers designed to test legal reasoning, judgment, and understanding of patent drafting and prosecution before the EPO, from filing through to grant and post-grant proceedings. Applicants must hold a technical or scientific degree and by March 2026, have at least one year of experience in patent-related work under the supervision of a European Patent Attorney.

What does the CSP offer?

The three-year CSP, run by the EPO in collaboration with member states including Iceland, provides:

• Financial support
• Mentoring from experienced European Patent Attorneys
• Preparation courses and educational resources
• Access to study materials and past exam papers

The programme aims to strengthen EQE preparation and promote diversity and competence within the European patent profession. Iceland may nominate up to four . Two places are reserved for women to support gender equality in the field.

Anna Valborg Guðmundsdóttir, European Patent Attorney at Össur and EQE graduate eight years ago, received CSP support. She reflects on her experience:

“What I thought would be just a study support turned out to be so much more. The CSP became a turning point in my life. Not only did I receive high-quality support and training, but I found myself surrounded by driven, generous, and supportive people, many of whom have become close friends, not just colleagues. It shifted my mindset completely: from just focusing on passing an exam to embracing a culture of caring, sharing, and lifting others up. Since then, I’ve stayed close to the program, giving back by coaching, learning even more, and connecting with new generations of candidates across Europe. The CSP is being relaunched this fall and it’s expanding to even more countries! So, if you’re thinking about taking the EQE, or know someone who is, this could be the community and support system you didn’t know you needed.“

How to apply

The CSP is currently targeting candidates preparing for EQE 2026 who are enrolled for paper F or papers M1 and M2.

To apply, a candidate must complete the CSP application form on EPO‘s website and submit it to the Icelandic Intellectual Property Office (ISIPO), along with proof of permanent residency, a motivation letter, and a support letter from their employer.

The CSP application process for EQE 2026 opens on July 8 2025, and closes on August 15, 2025. NPOs will select candidates by September, and CSP training and coaching will kick off in October.

You can review the full eligibility criteria here (PDF). The ISIPO will evaluate all applications and nominate candidates in early September. The CSP starts in October 2025, and all candidates will be notified by email.

Useful links

Learn more about the CSP on the EPO website

Read about the EQE on the EPO website

Direct questions to the EPO via the CSP/EQE web portal

Need help or further information?

Feel free to contact us at the Icelandic Intellectual Property Office:

hugverk@hugverk.is

+354 580 9400

or send us a message on social media