The European Patent Office (EPO) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cooperation with Monaco, with discussions focusing on innovation, digital transformation and improving access to intellectual property services for businesses and researchers in the Principality.
EPO President António Campinos met with Monaco’s Minister of Finance and Economy Frédéric Cottalorda, Director of Economic Development Julien Dejanovic and Jean-Pierre Santos, Head of the Industrial Property Division, on Monday, September 28.
The meeting provided an opportunity to review the longstanding relationship between Monaco and the EPO and discuss ways to further modernise the Principality’s industrial property system.
A particular focus was placed on the digital transformation of intellectual property services. Monaco and the EPO agreed to examine the possibility of Monaco adopting the EPO’s Front Office platform, an online filing system that has already been adopted or is being introduced by 20 EPO member states.
The assessment will consider the technical, operational and legal implications of introducing the platform in Monaco, as well as the potential benefits for local users.
The discussions also addressed possible developments to Monaco’s industrial property framework, including regulatory changes and recommendations arising from the EPO’s programme for the convergence of practices.
The aim would be to bring aspects of Monaco’s system closer to international standards and the European Patent Convention, while improving accessibility and legal certainty for users.
Monaco has been a member of the European Patent Organisation since December 1, 1991. The Principality and the EPO have maintained close cooperation since then, with their relationship further strengthened by a bilateral cooperation agreement signed in March 2025.
During the meeting, President Campinos also highlighted Monaco’s support for its innovation ecosystem, particularly through initiatives aimed at assisting start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises.
Both sides expressed their intention to continue working together on new areas of cooperation, including the processing of national patents and the development of digital tools adapted to the needs of companies, innovators and researchers in Monaco.