Getting well-prepared for EQE 2023 - opportunities for candidates to test their system and exam platform under exam conditions

REMINDER: This Thursday, and again mid February, candidates have the opportunity to test their system and exam platform under exam conditions (Main exam as well as Pre-Exam). 

It is strongly recommended, if not indispensable, to use those opportunities, and to do the test with the full system (computer, camera, microphone, internet connection) and at the location that you intend to use for the EQE itself.

Only these tests allow you to check the system under exam conditions, so including the invigilation/ proctoring/ supervision functionality. In the past, some candidates experiences some problems only with this full setup, e.g., due to some actions such as using Alt-Tab being considered as attempts to cheat, so it is important to not miss out on these opportunities!

Candidates are referred to the email they received from the EQE Secretariat mid December, which provided (for Pre-Exam as well as main exam candidates):

Dear candidate,

Please be informed that the instructions to candidates for the conduct of the EQE 2023 are now available on the EQE website.

Please also note that you will be able to test your computer equipment and settings on the following dates:

19 January 2023 at 9:30 – 10:30 and 14:00 – 15:00 CET and

15 February 2023 at 9:30 – 10:30 and 14:00 – 15:00 CET.

It is recommended to take advantage of these technical tests under examination conditions. We strongly advise you not to wait until the last moment to test in case you encounter problems.

Further information will follow in January 2023.

If you have not yet activated your WISEflow account, please urgently do so or inform us in case of problems.

Best regards / Mit freundlichen Grüßen / Sincères salutations

European Qualifying Examination EQE


The EQE website, sub-page "EQE online" provides the "Instructions to the candidates concerning the conduct of the EQE" for EQE 2023 (here). 
It is strongly recommended to read the entire documentThe document provides important information on:

I. General, incl. Complaints procedure (lodge at the latest by the end of the day on which the paper concerned takes place, by filling in the dedicated form made available by the Examination Secretariat; also see D 45/21)    
II. Examination environment
III. Technical requirements. Candidates are free to run WISEflow on either a Windows operating system or macOS. However, there cannot be any claim of being disadvantaged by using one or other system. The use of iPads for the EQE is not allowed. Incl. responsibilities of candidates.
IV. Preparation and start of the examination. Candidates should log on to WISEflow at least 30 minutes before the start time of the first flow on each examination day, for ID check and audio verification. The lockdown browser launch procedure should be run at the start of the examination but must be completed no later than 15 minutes after the examination start time.
V. Exam invigilation
VI. Misconduct

Please refer to the original document for all detail.

Also, refer to the FAQ on theeEQE webpages. It provides some important information that is not given elsewhere. It also provides:

What are the system requirements?

To  sit the examination, you require the necessary technical equipment as set out in the WISEflow documentation available on the WISEflow website. You should follow the WISEflow recommendations for configuring your environment:

epo-wiseflow.ladesk.com/772936-Lockdown-computer-recommendations

The use of iPads for the EQE is not allowed.

To install and launch the LockDown browser [so, to sit the exam], you will need system administrator rights on the computer [during the exam].

Also note:
  • The updated "Information on the schedule for the EQE 2023 examination papers" dated 19 December 2022 on the EQE website;
  • The information on the lack of calendars with the exam papers in "Calculation of time limits in paper D and pre-examination" on the EQE website;
  • The "Instructions for answering the pre-examination paper and and marking scheme" dated 11 February 2021 on the EQE Notice page, which indicates, for example, for the Pre-Exam that "If at least one of the four statements is left unanswered, then the answer to the whole question will be deemed not to be correct";
  • The "Annoucement of the EQE 2023 - Pre-examination and main examination" in OJ 2022, A12;
  • The other information on the EQE website, including its subpages (esp. EQE notices and downloads, EQE online and FAQ);
  • Other emails from the EQE secretariat, such as the email "EQE 2023 - Activation of the examination area in WISEflow" dated 11 January 2023 in relation to the two areas “EPO - EQE” (for technical tests and real EQE) and the “EPO - EQE Compendium” (compendium flows; already available to all candidates) areas.
    Note the indication in the email: "Attention: When finishing activities in the “EPO - EQE Compendium” area, you must log-out correctly from WISEflow. If you do not log-out, you might not be able to access the “EPO – EQE” area!"
  • The information on the Wiseflow Support Portal.
Please feel invited to share your experiences and tips. When posting comments, please use your name or use a nick name so that not the comments are merely labelled "Anonymous".

Comments

  1. I am connected to wiseflow and do not see any mock exam January 2023. What is goings on?

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    1. you should have two choices after login, something called something like EPO-compendium and something like EPO-EQE. To test the setup today you should use the EQE, the other one contains mock exams that you can take at any suitable time.

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  2. I was also connected and I couldn't see any paper, only something calles Overview with two blanks squares which were nothing?

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  3. Just tried logging in and i got the following message - "Update browser - Your version of the lockdown browser is outdated. Please download and install the newest version from WISEflow in order to participate in the flow. - Close browser" - am I missing something?

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  4. OK have managed to update the browser, you have to click the "Guide to lockdown browser" and go from there.... I hate this software!

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    1. See also below on the search functionality as well as the Instructions to the candidates items IV.2 and IV.3: always check whether you use the latest versionm of the browser, as it may have improved functionality.

      Instructions to the candidates on EQE Website -> EQE online:

      IV. Preparation and start of the examination
      2. Candidates must ensure that they are correctly using the WISEflow software. The lockdown browser is the only software candidates are allowed to run on their computer during the EQE.
      Candidates must ensure that they are running the same version as the one that is available online on the WISEflow website by clicking “Guide to lockdown browser”.
      3. When opening any of the flows for the first time, candidates must verify the installation of the lockdown browser and, if needed, download and install/update to the latest version by clicking “Guide to lockdown browser” on the flow information page. The WISEflow software must be
      verified at least once before the first flow on the examination day, even if it was already verified previously.

      (https://documents.epo.org/projects/babylon/eponot.nsf/0/0EBC9DA304DF20A4C125868100424C67/$FILE/Instructions_EN.pdf - version dd 22 December 2022)

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  5. What commands do you have available in the lockdown browser? I tested my setup today on a mac and was not able to copy+paste or cmd+f=ctr.+f on windows

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    1. Cursed candidate3 March 2023 at 12:28

      Anonymous 19 Jan I had same problem on Mac last year during examination. Better don't use it I think. Did you even try to copy and paste highlited text?

      Delete
  6. I expected a main exam Mock paper in 'the technical tests under examination conditions". But there was none. Not even the editor. Was this supposed to only test camera and microphone?

    K

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    Replies
    1. Several of our candidates reported the same. Apparently it was indeed just a technical test for the hardware (some candidates spotted problems with their camera, despite that working in all other applications such as Teams and Zoom), and not a mock exam under exam conditions.

      If you did not participate in this technical test on 19 Jan, or had problems and think you have solved them, it is strongly recommended to participate in the technical test on 15 Feb - while using the latest version of the lockdown browser (see Instructions to the candidate, item IV.2&3)

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  7. During the testing session, me and my colleagues noticed that in mock exams (EPO-Compendium), some of us had a search function (magnifying glass on top left) while some of us did not. This search option allows the user to search and find text in EPC legal text and PCT AG, basically it's same as Ctrl-F. We were using same browser and all the updates should be same but somehow it is not available to all of us. Has anyone else noticed this? If we are allowed to use search in legal texts during the actual exam, it would be a huge advantage, especially in Paper D.

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    1. I managed to solve the mystery. It seems some of us had older but working browser version (FLOWlock_browser_v2.0.9.03) and the new search function came with the newer lockdown browser version (FLOWlock_browser_v2.1.0.00). So if your browser lacks the search function on the top left, you should go to the "Guide to lockdown browser" and "Download latest version" and install it.

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    2. I noted the same: with 2.0.9.03 no Ctrl-F and no other search functionality on the webpages with EPO legal text and PCT Applicant's Guide pages, whereas there is a new looking glass in the top left of the page for both of them in 2.1.0.00 - when you click on the looking glass, you get a popup box allowing you to search in (default) downward or upward direction, as well as case sensitive or (default) case insensitive). This looking glass does not open when you use Ctrl-F (I use Windows 11 Pro).

      Note that for searching in the pdf of the main exam papers when opened in a new tab, that new looking glass does not seem to work -- there is however another looking glass in these pdf windows in the top right of the pdf tab. That other looking glass is also opened when using Ctrl-F.

      I agree that being able to search in these texts, especially on the large PCT Applicant's Guide Introduction to the International phase page, is a huge advantage.

      NB: we extracted the Keyword Index from the pdf-version of the PCT Applicant's Guide, which is even better (in my view) than a search functionality due to the way it is structured/organized - it is available on https://www.deltapatents.com/course-links/ -> "EQE 2023 references – Keyword Index PCT Applicant’s Guide (WIPO)". If you want to use this, bring a printed copy to the exam!

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  8. After I used Wiseflow, I could not shut down my computer in the usual way - I got a message "There are currently no power down options available".
    I could however shut down my computer via Ctrl-Alt-Del and then the power symbol in the lower right corner of my screen.

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  9. Hi Roel, maybe this is off topic, but was there been any discussion about the possibility of a late enrollment to the EQE, since everything is online now ?
    Unfortunately I missed the September deadline to enroll to main exam and i don't see any reason to a so early enrollment.
    Also, there is maybe a possibility to taking over for someone who withdrew from some Papers?
    Thanks and see you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. https://documents.epo.org/projects/babylon/eponot.nsf/0/045B767EA9FF3C92C12587DF004F5DBA/$FILE/Announcement%20EQE%202023.pdf

      OJ2022 A12 I 2.1 "After 16 May 2022, it will not be possible to apply for enrolment for the preexamination 2023."

      OJ2022 A12 I 2.2 "After 5 September 2022, it will not be possible to apply for enrolment for the main examination 2023."

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    2. Oh thank you so much Anonymous 27 January for citing me the Official Journal, what would I have done without you

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    3. @ Ste - I guess anonymous was trying to be helpful by citing just about as an authoritative a source as possible stating unequivocally that late enrollment isn't permissible.

      Delete
  10. Yuo can test it thousand time it always remains a lousy system and platform. And testing does not avoid issues and problems as in the past years.

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  11. I wanna be an European patent attorney not an IT specialist

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  12. Candidates informed me that, tyesterday, they received an email with the following information:

    "Subject: EQE 2023 – Important: New version of the lockdown browser

    Dear candidate,

    As part of the ongoing efforts to improve the examination platform, an additional search function has been introduced in the latest version of the lockdown browser, which allows searching in the text of all pages displayed in tabs of the browser.

    However, this additional search function is currently only available in the Windows version of the browser. It is planned to integrate this search function into the MAC version of the browser, but this will not be available in the upcoming EQE. Further information on the search function can be found here: Lockdown Browser: Tools and Features

    Irrespective of the operating system, the existing functionality will still be available to search the text of the main examination papers, which are opened in a separate tab of the lockdown browser.

    Therefore it remains candidates’ responsibility and choice to use one or the other system. No rights may be inferred from choosing either a Windows or MAC computer to take the examination.

    Best regards / Mit freundlichen Grüßen / Sincères salutations

    European Qualifying Examination EQE"

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Not being able to search on a webpage of the online legal texts is not so much an issue on the EPO legal text pages as they are all rather short. However, the eGuide of the PCT Applicant's Guide is essentially one large webpage which has a hyperlinked ToC at the start but has no keyword index so that it may is harder to use: we extracted the Keyword Index from the pdf-version of the PCT Applicant's Guide, which provides an efficient search functionality due to the way it is structured/organized - it is available on https://www.deltapatents.com/course-links/ -> "EQE 2023 references – Keyword Index PCT Applicant’s Guide (WIPO)". If you want to use this, bring a printed copy to the exam!

      Delete
  13. As a Paper D candidate, I welcome any type of improvements to the examination platform, even if last minute improvements. Everyone has been craving for the browser search function.
    As a long time Mac user I am aghast: browser search function will not be developed in time for macOS users. Why not?

    According to the instructions to the candidates, also posted above, candidates are free to choose from Windows or macOS operating systems. It is only fair to expect that any IT developments to be available to either system.

    It is my conviction this type of inequities should not be instigated by the European Qualifying Examination EQE under the umbrella “there cannot be any claim of being disadvantaged by using one or other system”. I see no good faith in this statement nor email.

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    1. Would you rather have that the EQE is postponed until there is a MAC browser?

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    2. I had several issue last year using mac that cost me the paper. The paper environment did not have a visual menu at the pointer for select copy and paste and you had to figure out by you with keyboard. Examionation Committee answer me that every mac user know how copy and paste with combination of keys!! Maybe 30 years ago was like that. Furthermore the system does not allow me to copy in the paper sheet the text previously higlighted...

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  14. Today, candidates received the email below.

    Please be reminded to "download and install/update to the latest version by clicking “Guide to lockdown browser” on the flow information page. The WISEflow software must be verified at least once before the first flow on the examination day, even if it was already verified previously." (See Instructions to the candidates December 2022, item III.3 & III.4, on the "EQE online page" of the EQE website).

    "Subject: EQE 2023 - Technical Test

    Dear candidate,

    Please be informed that you will be able to test your computer equipment and settings on:

    15 February 2023 at 09:30 - 10:30 and 14:00 - 15:00 CET.

    The tests will take place on WISEflow in the “EPO - EQE” area. The flows will be visible shortly before the test.

    Please note that there will not be an examination paper in the test; this is a purely technical test for you to test your equipment and system behaviour.

    The participation password is [...see email...] and is also mentioned in the description of the flow.

    A limited number of invigilators will be available, thus do not expect an immediate answer in the chat.

    There will be printable parts for you to experience this function if you wish.

    It is recommended that you take advantage of this technical test under examination conditions. We strongly advise you not to wait until the last moment to test in case you encounter problems.

    If you have not yet activated your WISEflow account, please urgently do so.

    Best regards / Mit freundlichen Grüßen / Sincères salutations

    European Qualifying Examination EQE"

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    Replies
    1. Did you notice the new external resources available in the compendium flows?

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    2. Thx. I did not yet see that ;)

      But very nice that PCT Articles and Rules -and also the forms- are now also available, similar as on https://www.wipo.int/pct/en/texts/index.html

      They are now available in HTML as well as pdf in Wiseflow, but I whether the pdf-versions can be accessed during the exam appears to be uncertain in view of the information given in the EQE FAQ wrt pdf files - it not, then access to PCT forms will be lost compared to the current status.

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    3. In Wiseflow, you can also navigate up from the PCT Treaty page (www.wipo.int/pct/en/texts/index.htm) to the PCT Resources page ( hwww.ipo.int/pct/en/), which includes some useful overviews and which you may have used during your preparation. (Tested today on Windows, English).

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  15. In today's test, I noticed that Wiseflow crashes if I try to open external resources or the PDF in a sepearte tab, while the internet connection is lost. This happened already before I got the warning that the internet connection is really lost - any one else experienced that issue?

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  16. Can those who are not registered for the exam test the sytem as well?

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    Replies
    1. No, that's not possible. Access requires logging in using the individual credentials that are distributed to candidates by the Secretariat. Accounts require AFAIK licences, so they will keep the number of accounts to as many as needed.

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    2. But I am a candidate for god sake, I already sat pre-exam and a paper even though I didn't enroll this year.

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    3. You're kidding?
      Cristina

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    4. If you did not enrol this year you are not a candidate this year.

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    5. Yes your're right, I'm not a candidate you know I don't have pretty much to do in my life so I just sat some papers just to spend some money too

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    6. Nein! Are you crazy? Verboten! Strictly Verboten. How can you even think to train if not registered. Raus!

      Delete
  17. I noticed that in the tests, it didn't ask for a photograph to be taken with your ID next to you. This seems to be in contradicitoon with the notes found on the EPO website where candidates are instructed to take a picture of themselves along with their ID before the first flow of each day.

    I presume this may have just been a small oversight on the side of the EPO and we should take a picture of us and our ID before the first part of each paper?

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    Replies
    1. I thought the same. I would however say the system test was to test the functionality of the camera within the browser and not exactly what was photographed.

      In the pre-exam last year the image I saw (upon each of the four entries) was blurry; the text of my ID wasn't visible to me, but I didn't spend much time "fixing" it and there were no queries or problems. So this year I had my ID ready and I held it up to check, even though it wasn't requested. This year it appeared a little sharper.

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  18. I have been asked to take a photo.
    Cristina

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  19. The English "PCT Treaty" page in Wiseflow gives the Treaty (Articles) and Regulations as PDF and as HTML. The German "PCT Vertrag" page gives the Vertrag as PDF and HTML. but the Ausführungsordnung only as PDF. Can I open that PDF in Wiseflow to have access to the Regulations in German?

    The English "PCT Treaty" page in Wiseflow also has PCT Forms. he German "PCT Vertrag" page has no PCT Forms. Will they be added?

    K.

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    Replies
    1. There is also no German HTML version of the Rules on the WIPO/PCT website – not on www.wipo.int/pct/de/texts/index.html, nor on www.wipo.int/pct/de/: also on the WIPO/PCT website the PCT Rules in German are only available as pdf.

      The German version of the Forms is accessible via another route: open the PCT Vertrag tab in Wiseflow and then go up to the PCT-Ressourcen page (which gets you to www.wipo.int/pct/de/): there you find the Forms in the right column under Formblätter. (Assuming that you will, as in these Compendium flows, be able to navigate thereto also during the exam).

      Note that some of the overviews on the WIPO/PCT Resources pages are only available in English (e.g., “States Party to PCT/Paris/WTO” and “Types of protection”), while others are available in all three languages (e.g., “PCT-Vorbehalte und Unvereinbarkeiten” / “Reservations and Incompatibilities”/ “Réserves et incompatibilités”) (www.wipo.int/pct/de/, www.wipo.int/pct/en/, www.wipo.int/pct/fr/).

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    2. The pdf version of the (German) PCT Rules is also searchable with the looking glass in the top left corner, in the same way as in the English HTML (tested in Windows)

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  20. The EQE online website now shows the following info and forms (available during the indicated time slots):

    “ Complaint concerning the conduct of the examination

    Candidates wishing to lodge a complaint pursuant to point I.8. of the Instructions to candidates concerning the conduct of the examination must do so at the latest by the end of the day on which the paper concerned takes place, by filling in the dedicated form:

    Form for the pre-examination (available on 17.03.2023, 16:10 - 23:59, CET)
    Form for paper A (available on 09.03.2023, 13:30 - 23:59, CET)
    Form for paper B (available on 14.03.2023, 13:00 - 23:59, CET)
    Form for paper C (available on 16.03.2023, 16:15 - 23:59, CET)
    Form for paper D (available on 07.03.2023, 16:45 - 23:59, CET) “

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  21. Platform should be available even for candidate who are not enrolled this year

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