Now Four Candidates Running For Next EPO Presidency

Mr Jesper Kongstad	Dr. Roland Grossenbacher
Mr Benoît Battistelli	Ms Susanne Ås Sivborg

Some time ago I had reported on Mr Jesper Kongstad and Dr. Roland Grossenbacher announcing their candidature for the Office of the President of the European Patent Office (EPO).

Later on it become known that also Mr Benoît Battistelli will run. He is of French citizenship. At its 116^th meeting held on December 11, 2008, the Administrative Council of the European Patent Organisation (EPO) had decided to appoint him as its next Chairman. Mr Battistelli is also Director General of France's Institut national de la propriété industrielle (INPI), and has served as Deputy Chairman of the EPO's Administrative Council since 2006.

Today, I am receiving fresh reports saying that also Ms Susanne Ås Sivborg desires to get the successorship of Ms Brimelow. She is a Swedish citizen and serves as Director General of the Swedish Patent och Registreringsverket.

BTW, if anybody else wants to run for the election: Applications for EPO president position are formally and open requested. The deadline for submitting an application lapses by September 15, 2009. Citizenship of any of the EU Member States is required. However, you don't need to apply if you won't get the formal support of your Government for your candidature.