Gerard Owens

Gerard Owens, Coordinator in International Cooperation, including ICT and “Patents and Standards” in European Patent Office, Munich.

Ged is engaged in International Cooperation at the EPO, responsible for coordinating EPO activities relating to the interactions between the global patent system and “Industry 4.0 / Internet of Things”, including patenting of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, and interactions with international standards development, including telecommunications (“smart phones”). Ged liaises with standards development organisations, with the European Commission, and with other stakeholders in this area.  Ged also coordinates international relations with various countries including India.
Ged has been working at the European Patent Office (EPO) in Munich for over 30 years. Holding degrees in Biochemical Engineering, and Human-Computer Interaction, he worked as a patent examiner, then for many years on managing business and user-related aspects of computer projects. He has also coordinated activities in IP5 WG2, in bilateral activities between EPO and WIPO, and Public Policy Issues, including the interactions of the global patent system with initiatives in climate change, ICT standards, and life sciences.