European Patent Examiner in Video Engineering

Location: The Hague

At the European Patent Office (EPO), we explore breakthrough technologies before they reach the public. As a European Patent Examiner in Video Engineering, you'll assess whether inventions meet the criteria for patent protection, and in doing so support innovation that improves lives, drives industries and shapes the future.

Duration of contract:
Five years, renewable (full-time)

Location:

Germany (Munich/Berlin) or the Netherlands (The Hague)

Working mode:
Hybrid

The position will require relocation to the country of one of the following EPO sites:
Germany (Munich/Berlin) or The Netherlands (The Hague). The final location will be discussed later and depends also on team-specific needs.

Your role and impact
As a Patent Examiner, you will:

examine patent applications – including technical documentation and drawings – in one of our official languages (English, French or German)

analyse new inventions to evaluate their novelty and inventive step

conduct in-depth research using digital search tools, scientific databases and patent information sources to identify the most relevant prior art

apply legal and procedural frameworks to make clear, high-quality decisions on whether a patent should be granted

communicate your findings clearly and constructively with applicants and other parties

collaborate with international colleagues in a diverse and inclusive environment

maintain high-quality standards with strong attention to detail and scientific rigour

contribute to Europe's innovation ecosystem by ensuring fair and consistent application of the European Patent Convention (EPC) and related legal texts

Your profile
We're looking for expertise in at least one of these fields:

digital video coding and compression (MPEG, HEVC, VVC, point cloud)

video transmission (DVB, ISOBMFF, HbbTV)

digital cameras, image sensors and camera control

You will thrive with us if you

have a solid background and relevant expertise in the specified fields, built up during your studies, in projects, and/or as a result of professional experience

enjoy deep technical analysis, reading technical drawings and solving intellectual puzzles

are genuinely curious about technology and enjoy continuously learning about new scientific developments, emerging technologies and patent law

are analytical, detail-oriented and open-minded

are confident using digital technologies and AI-supported tools to analyse information while applying own critical thinking

value both independent work and team collaboration

are comfortable making structured, evidence-based decisions

No prior IP (intellectual property) experience? No problem.

We provide full legal and procedural training to get you started.

Our minimum requirements for this post

diploma of completed studies at master's level covering one or more technical fields mentioned above

excellent knowledge (at least C1) of one of our official languages (English, French and German) and the ability to understand the other two; alternatively, excellent knowledge (at least C1) of English (in such cases, the willingness to learn the missing languages and to reach level B2 within a set time frame would be required)

work experience in industry would be an advantage

citizenship of one of the member states of the European Patent Organisation

What we offer

competitive salary: €7 076 to €10 164 net/month (depending on location and experience)

After deduction of EPO-internal tax (no other national income tax applies) and before deduction of staff contributions to the social security and pension schemes.

30+ days of annual leave + flexible working arrangements

generous remote work policy: work from anywhere in the country of employment; up to 60 days from abroad (EPC states)

family-friendly policies: childcare, education and relocation…