The European Patent Office (EPO) provides a uniform application procedure for individual inventors and companies seeking patent protection in up to 37 European countries. It is the executive arm of the European Patent Organization and is supervised by the Administrative Council.

An intergovernmental organization, the EPO was set up on October 7, 1977 on the basis of the European Patent Convention signed in Munich in 1973. It has two bodies, the European Patent Office and the Administrative Council, which supervises the Office's activities. The Organization currently has 32 member states.

The mission of the EPO is to support innovation, competitiveness and economic growth for the benefit of the citizens of Europe. The Office's core activity is the examination of patent applications and the grant of European patents. Other activities include the provision of patent information and training services.