The European Union Intellectual Property Office celebrates this year the 10th anniversary of the Pan-European Seal (PES) Programme. Over the past decade, this initiative has not only bridged the gap between academic knowledge and the labour market but has also become a cornerstone in cultivating a new generation of intellectual property experts, chosen by their universities in partnership with the EUIPO.
A legacy of success
Initiated in 2014 as a pilot by the EUIPO in collaboration with the European Patent Office (EPO), the PES Programme started with five founding universities(1) and has since expanded to include 142 universities from across 27 EU member states and 11 European Patent Convention member states. The programme has welcomed 753 trainees at the EUIPO, with nearly 1500 trainees at both EUIPO and EPO combined, heralding a new era of intellectual property education and practice.
Comprehensive benefits for trainees
The PES Programme offers trainees a myriad of opportunities including on-the-job training at the EUIPO, participation in various events, giving them the opportunity to present IP topics in a creative and innovative format under the scope of the IP Campus, and access to the EPO and CPVO (Community Plant Variety Office) Exchange Programmes. These initiatives are complemented by annual career events that connect trainees with potential employers and the Talent Bank, a unique platform facilitating further career opportunities including law firms, companies EU institutions and international organisations.
Practical information and participation
For those interested in participating or learning more about the Pan-European Seal Programme, check out the application process , and the programme’s comprehensive benefits and objectives.
Looking to the future
Recently, the EUIPO has extended its collaboration beyond Europe, establishing partnerships with universities in Georgia, Moldova, and Tanzania and thus reaching 146 PES universities in total. These new agreements promise to further enhance the programme's reach and impact, fostering global intellectual property education and cooperation.
Looking forward, the Pan-European Seal Programme will continue to evolve, setting the standard for IP education and professional development in Europe and across the globe.
Learn more about our trainees' experiences and the impact of their contributions to the IP world.