"Inventors' Oscar" for European Patent Academy

EPO Vice-President Wim van der Eijk receives the Diesel Medal from Professor Joseph Straus, former head of the Max Planck Institute

Named after German inventor and engineer Rudolf Diesel, the medal is awarded in four categories and focuses on scientific achievement and inventive enterprise and hence on the economic significance of its winners, who in the past have included leading inventors and entrepreneurs such as plastics engineer Artur Fischer, hi-fi specialist Fritz Sennheiser and SAP founders Dietmar Hopp and Hasso Plattner.

"This honour for the European Patent Academy is a great reward for our extensive commitment to the training of patent specialists. The Academy's work aims to ensure the quality of the patent system and so promote and support the innovation process both inside and outside Europe", said EPO President Benoît Battistelli.

Jesper Kongstad, Chairman of the European Patent Organisation's Administrative Council and Director General of the Danish Patent Office said the award is testimony to the member states' vision in founding the Academy.

"Training is an essential part of a properly functioning patent system serving society in Europe. Teaching people how to use the system strategically to boost industry, market innovations and create jobs is one of the keys to growth and prosperity in Europe," he said.

"We take great pride in this recognition of our achievements", said Lex Kaufhold, Chairman of the Academy's Supervisory Board and head of the Luxembourg Patent Office. "We work with a network of internal and external trainers, tutors and consultants. The Diesel Medal is a success for everyone involved, bringing both recognition and motivation."