EPO-EUIPO SEAL Programme
Pan-European SEAL Programme for Young Professionals
In 2023, the Department of Engineering (together with the University's Faculty of Law) singed an MoU to join the EPO-EUIPO SEAL programme. This partnership opens up opportunities for talented graduates from the University as they can apply to this exclusive programme open only to graduates from selected member universities across Europe.
What is the EPO SEAL Programme?
The EPO SEAL programme is an excellent opportunity for graduates to gain valuable on-the-job experience within the international sphere of the European Patent Office (EPO), in charge of patents including Europe's Unitary patent system, and the European Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), in charge of all other IP rights. The programme offers unique and immersive insights into the operations of two international organizations, fostering a multicultural environment that enriches your professional development. More information about the programme is available on the EPO and EUIPO websites.
Why Choose the EPO SEAL Programme?
By participating in the EPO SEAL programme, graduates from the Department will have the chance to:
- Work alongside seasoned professionals at the EPO or EUIPO.
- Gain exposure to the dynamic and diverse community of international staff with diverse backgrounds from many disciplines and countries.
- Learn about the complexities of IP rights systems on a global scale.
- Develop essential skills for a successful career in the field of intellectual property.
- Benefit from generous remuneration and social security benefits.
As an Engineer, why would I want to work at the EPO or EUIPO?
Technical expertise is needed for becoming a patent examiner at the EPO, but the SEAL programme is not only for graduates with an interest in Intellectual Property. Both offices are international organisations offering a large variety of positions within a diverse work force. As equal opportunity employers the offices are committed to creating inclusive environments for all employees.
Requirements
Candidates need to be nationals of an EPO member state (note that this is different to and broader than the EU member states), need to possess excellent language skills in at least one of the official languages (English, French, German), have a BA degree or higher (e.g. Master or PhD). No professional experience is required.
How to apply?
All candidates need to be nominated by the Department. Do not apply directly! If you are interested in applying, please contact the Department's SEAL coordinator as early as possible.
Typically, the application systems open in February, usually closing mid March for a start in September the same year.
Further details about the programme are available here:
EPO: www.epo.org/learning/materials/pan-european-seal.html
EUIPO: www.euipo.europa.eu/en/the-office/about-us/who-we-are/employer-of-choice/pan-european-seal-programme
Whether you are considering to apply or not, both offices offer a number of training courses, which can be accessed via the following webpages:
EUIPO Learning Portal: https://euipo.europa.eu/knowledge/
EPO's online training: www.epo.org/learning
To support teaching, the EPO offers an IP Teaching Kit, which is available here: www.epo.org/learning/materials/kit.html
SEAL Coordinator for the Department of Engineering