The 2020 edition of the EPO's Search Matters event will be held in The Hague from 11 to 13 May 2020. It will provide patent search professionals with a unique opportunity to gain an insight into the EPO's search strategies and techniques and to learn more about industry-specific searches.

At a total of 27 workshops run by highly experienced patent examiners, participants will be able to take a closer look at a wide range of topics, such as:

− searching most effectively in the fields of additive manufacturing, artificial intelligence and disruptive technologies in general

− efficiently searching Asian prior art

− making full use of the new Espacenet

− mastering the complexity of searching in ICT and chemistry

The programme also includes plenary lectures and a panel discussion on the challenges that disruptive technologies pose to patent information searchers.

In addition, the much-sought-after "at-the-desk" sessions, to be held on the afternoon of 11 May, before the main event officially starts, will give participants a chance to talk to EPO examiners about approaches to searching in specific technical areas which they can select when registering.

More information and registration: epo.org/search-matters.