On October 22, 2019, the
International and Foreign Practice Committee
of the BPLA presented a comparative EPO/USPTO patent prosecution tutorial entitled “Things Are Different Over There: Avoiding Misunderstandings and Pitfalls when Prosecuting Patents on Both Sides of the Pond.” The speaker was Yelena Morozova, Esq., a dual-qualified US and European patent attorney, who instructed the attendees how the implementation of concepts common to both the USPTO and EPO often differ. Ms. Morozova, an associate in Finnegan’s London office, provided useful examples of where the systems’ differences could lead to different outcomes when the same approach is applied in both jurisdiction without practitioner awareness. Ms. Morozova also shared strategies for using the systems’ differences to improve outcomes in each jurisdiction, and thus maximizing value across global patent portfolios.
The event was very well received, and the Foreign Practice Committee is grateful for Ms. Morozova’s sharing her expertise. We look forward to welcoming her back for a future program.