Two applicants from Iceland receive study support for the qualifying examination for European patent attorneys

Two patent professionals from Iceland have been granted access to the Candidate Support Programme (CSP) of the European Patent Office (EPO), which includes a study bursary and other support in preparing for the European qualifying examination (EQE). Passing the EQE entitles candidates to practise as a European patent attorney and to represent applicants before the EPO.

For 2026, 48 new candidates from 17 EPO member states received support to sit the EQE, in addition to 38 candidates continuing from the previous year.

The aim of the CSP is to support individuals preparing for the EQE and to build a more diverse and skilled patent profession across Europe. It is a three-year project run by the European Patent Office in cooperation with its member states, including Iceland. The programme provides candidates aiming to sit the EQE and qualify as professional representatives before the EPO with professional guidance, training, and financial support. The Icelandic Intellectual Property Office (ISIPO) may nominate up to four candidates to the programme, of which two places are reserved for women.

This year, support for the European Patent Administration Certification (EPAC) examination was added to the programme, and 16 individuals were granted access to that part of the CSP.

ISIPO warmly congratulates the participants and encourages those interested to learn more about the EQE and EPAC qualifying examinations and to follow upcoming application deadlines for the CSP.

More about the Candidate Support Programme (CSP)