The European Patent Office (ΕΡΟ) is exploring how code-based solutions can be used to assess the value of patents and intellectual property (IP) portfolios. Making IP evaluation easier and more scalable can help start-ups and innovators assess funding, bring new ideas to market and make smarter business decisions. By leveraging patent data, the economic value of intellectual property can be unlocked supporting growth, competitiveness, and investment.
We would like to inform you that, for the 4th edition of the European Patent Office CodeFest, the EPO invites participation in a competition open to anyone with a practical idea for creating an automated system that uses data analysis to assess patent value.
The winners of Code Fest 2026 will be eligible to win one of the following prizes:
- 🥇 Grand Prize: €20,000
- 🥈 First Runner-Up: €10,000
- 🥉 Second Runner-Up: €5,000
Potential approaches to evaluating IP value could look like but are not limited to:
- Technological importance: determine how unique, disruptive, or broadly applicable a technology is.
- Market-based valuation: assess the technology’s market readiness, the importance of its potential market and existing competition from alternative technologies.
- Legal strength: estimate the likelihood of a patent will be granted, stand up to legal challenges, or be successfully enforced.
Participants can focus on a single topic (e.g. NPL-based technology breadth, monetary valuation, or predictive legal models) or combinations thereof.
Mixed teams comprising AI specialists, economists and legal and IP experts are encouraged, as multidisciplinary collaboration can help ensure impact. This challenge offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the EPO’s efforts to maximise the power of patent data and enhance the evaluation of IP.
Eligibility and participation terms
- This challenge is of particular interest to patent professionals, IT and AI specialists, economists, legal and IP experts, data enthusiasts, developers, coders, data scientists, and professionals from international organisations, academia, and research institutions.
- Only residents of EPO member states aged 18 and above can participate.
- Proposals can be submitted individually or by teams of up to five people. Teams may include EPO staff, external entrants, or both.
Submission deadline: 16 November 2025, 23:59 CET
In line with the EPO’s efforts to promote diversity and inclusion across the innovation landscape, women with an enthusiasm for technology and innovation are highly encouraged to take part, showcase their skills, and help inspire the next generation.
In order to participate you must meet all eligibility criteria included in the rules of competition at the time of submitting your application.
Learn more here : https://www.epo.org/en/news-events/in-focus/codefest/codefest-2026-patent-and-ip-portfolio-evaluation
