With us you will :
Selection procedure
Preselected candidates will be invited to an online interview.
Application process
Please apply by completing the online application form, making sure you include the documents indicated below :
Please note that applications are accepted all year round for this rolling vacancy. Candidates will be contacted as soon as the need arises in the relevant department.
Areas offering "Rechtsreferendariat" at the EPO
Within the "Rechtsreferendariat" programme, the EPO invites applications for internships in three areas. You will have the possibility to indicate your preferred department when you answer the application questions.
Principal Directorate Legal Affairs develops legally sound solutions to patent law related and legal issues with a strategic, policy, institutional or external dimension. It contributes to the evolution of the legal framework of the European and international patent system and identifies and shapes patent law trends in emerging technologies. The Principal Directorate, which also acts as the Office's legal advisor and facilitates sound and efficient governance, both externally and internally, consists of two Directorates : the Directorate Patent Developments and IP Lab and the Directorate Institutional and Contract Law, which together provide legal analysis and advice on a wide range of key issues, including legal policy in relation to the Unitary Patent, the fostering of patent law harmonisation at both global and European level, the drafting of patent-related agreements and legislative proposals, as well as the external relations and governance of the EPO as a legal entity and as an international organisation, and general legal and institutional matters.
This principal directorate is the single point of contact for stakeholders for all patent law and procedure-related issues in operations under the EPC and the PCT, as well as for policy aspects relating to patentability under the current legal provisions. It is also responsible for the EPO's work relating to the Unitary Patent. It comprises of two directorates : the Directorate Patent Law and Processes and the Directorate Procedural Guidance and Registers, which together are tasked with ensuring the correct application of patent law within operations, the administration of the European Patent Register and the practical implementation of Unitary Patent-related tasks.
The Data Protection Office, with its dynamic and highly committed team, is the focal point for monitoring the respect of the fundamental rights to data protection and privacy by the Office. It provides advice to the President, the Administrative Council and managers in their role of delegated controllers on complex legal matters and on the application of the Data Protection Rules, highlighting potential risks and sharing knowledge on data protection. In this context, the DPO provides input on all activities which involve the processing of personal data by the Office. The DPO also offers support to internal and external data subjects to ensure that they understand and can effectively exercise their rights. The DPO is involved in policy drafting and issues guidance documents on various topics. It also creates and delivers training modules (i.a. e-Learnings) and organises awareness raising activities and events. Finally, in the framework of its responsibilities, the DPO conducts data protection audits and risk assessments. The activity of the DPO is guided by the values of fair-mindedness, integrity, transparency and pragmatism.