European Patent Examiner in Computer

EPO; Den Haag; Hybrid; EUR 79,000 - 113,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30+ days annual leave

Remote work up to 60 days from abroad

Relocation support

Pension and health insurance

Examiner training program

Job summary

The European Patent Office (EPO) is recruiting for the role of European Patent Examiner in Computer. The position is hybrid and involves relocation to The Hague, Munich, or Berlin, with training provided.

You will examine applications, search prior art, and apply legal frameworks to grant decisions, communicating findings to applicants and collaborating with colleagues worldwide.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a technical field as listed above.
• Experience or studies in ICT security, software engineering or related areas is expected.
• Ability to understand and apply patent search and examination processes.

Responsibilities

• Examine patent applications, including technical docs and drawings, in English, French or German.
• Analyse new inventions for novelty and inventive step.
• Conduct in-depth prior art searches using digital tools and patent sources.
• Apply EPC and related legal frameworks to decisions on patent grants.
• Communicate findings clearly with applicants and other parties.
• Collaborate with international colleagues in a diverse environment.
• Maintain high-quality standards with attention to detail and rigour.
• Contribute to Europe's innovation ecosystem by ensuring consistent EPC application.

Skills

ICT technologies & security

Software & systems engineering

Education

Master's degree in a technical field

Job description

At the European Patent Office (EPO), we are recruiting for the role of European Patent Examiner in Computer.

• Duration of contract: Five years, renewable (full-time)
• Location: Germany (Munich/Berlin) or the Netherlands (The Hague)
• Working mode: Hybrid. The position will require relocation to the country of one of the following EPO sites: Germany (Munich/Berlin) or The Netherlands (The Hague). The final location will be discussed later and depends also on team-specific needs.

At the European Patent Office (EPO), we explore breakthrough technologies before they reach the public. As a patent examiner, you'll assess whether inventions meet the criteria for patent protection, and in doing so support innovation that improves lives, drives industries and shapes the future.

Whether you come from research, academia or industry, if you're curious, open to learning and looking for a meaningful intellectual challenge you'll find your place at the EPO.

Your role and impact

As a Patent Examiner, you will:

• examine patent applications – including technical documentation and drawings – in one of our official languages (English, French or German)
• analyse new inventions to evaluate their novelty and inventive step
• conduct in-depth research using digital search tools, scientific databases and patent information sources to identify the most relevant prior art
• apply legal and procedural frameworks to make clear, high-quality decisions on whether a patent should be granted
• communicate your findings clearly and constructively with applicants and other parties
• collaborate with international colleagues in a diverse and inclusive environment
• maintain high-quality standards with strong attention to detail and scientific rigour
• contribute to Europe's innovation ecosystem by ensuring fair and consistent application of the European Patent Convention (EPC) and related legal texts

Your profile

We're looking for expertise in at least one of these fields:

• applied emerging ICT technologies and IT security: ICT security (cryptography, application security, wireless security, Identity and Access Management (IAM), cloud security, cybersecurity, blockchain, AI security, safety, and alignment); interactive, visual and immersive computing (human-computer interaction (HCI), virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), computer vision, image processing); AI applications and agentic AI
• software and systems engineering: software execution (software development techniques and paradigms, software design principles, code compilation and generation, source code management with version control, software deployment, virtualisation and container technologies, program loading and dynamic linking, user interface technologies, and remote desktop systems); distributed computing & CPU (operating system management and operating system administration, embedded systems design and implementation, IT system infrastructure management incl. servers and hardware components, design and management of cloud infrastructure and cloud environments, virtualisation platforms); error detection & correction (monitoring of computer systems, software testing and debugging, performance monitoring and testing, fault tolerance, software and hardware redundancy, backup strategy, and management)

You will thrive with us if you

• have a solid background and relevant expertise in the specified fields, built up during your studies, in projects, and/or as a result of professional experience
• enjoy deep technical analysis, reading technical drawings and solving intellectual puzzles
• are genuinely curious about technology and enjoy continuously learning about new scientific developments, emerging technologies and patent law
• are analytical, detail-oriented and open-minded
• are confident using digital technologies and AI-supported tools to analyse information while applying own critical thinking
• value both independent work and team collaboration
• are comfortable making structured, evidence-based decisions

No prior IP(intellectual property) experience? No problem.

We provide full legal and procedural training to get you started.

Our minimum requirements for this post

• diploma of completed studies at master's level covering one or more technical fields mentioned above
• excellent knowledge (at least C1) of one of our official languages (English, French and German) and the ability to understand the other two; alternatively, excellent knowledge (at least C1) of English (in such cases, the willingness to learn the missing languages and to reach level B2 within a set time frame would be required)
• work experience in industry would be an advantage
• citizenship of one of the member states of the European Patent Organisation

What we offer

• competitive salary: €7 076 to €10 164 net/month (depending on location and experience). After deduction of EPO-internal tax (no other national income tax applies) and before deduction of staff contributions to the social security and pension schemes.
• 30+ days of annual leave + flexible working arrangements
• generous remote work policy: work from anywhere in the country of employment; up to 60 days from abroad (EPC states)
• family-friendly policies: childcare, education and relocation support
• pension and insurance: excellent social security coverage
• examiner training: a comprehensive two-year development programme covering all aspects of patent search and examination, starting with a six-week Academy programme on-site and delivered in English
• facilities: on-site gym, health services, staff clubs and more (depending on location)
• top locations: high quality of life and a thriving international community

We are recruiting for positions starting from 2027.

We are the patent office for Europe. We are proud to deliver high-quality patents and efficient services that foster innovation, competitiveness and economic growth.