Topic-Related Index to the EPC, PCT and UP/UPC
Authors: Roel van Woudenberg and Cees Mulder
The 2026 edition of the Topic-Related Index to the EPC, PCT and UP/UPC - Quick reference for Daily Practice, EQE and EPAC is a 420-page A4 size book. The format of the Topic‐Related Index book was originally concepted by Cees Mulder. The current book edition is based on his work and further development by Roel van Woudenberg.
In the framework of European patent law, information is scattered over many legal references. This makes it difficult to study a certain topic, for example when handling a complicated case for a client or when preparing for the European Qualifying Examination (EQE).
The Topic-Related Index book is primarily aimed at practicing European patent attorneys, at trainee patent attorneys as well as at formalities officers in the patent practice. This book enables to quickly identify and locate a relevant Article or Rule in the EPC and/or the PCT when looking for information on a particular topic. At the same time, it provides reference to the relevant finding place in the EPO Guidelines or PCT Applicant’s Guide.
Structure of the book
In the book, thirteen main topics (9 EPC-related, 3 PCT-related and one on the Unitary Patent Regulations and UPC Agreement) have been selected around which a detailed reference guide has been built. For each topic, the critical issues are grouped in tables allowing a structured access of the topic. The book has been kept compact by only referring to the legal texts and other study material. Comprehensive keyword indexes provide an easy access to the relevant topics.
The tenth edition of the Topic-Related Index book has been updated taking account of the latest developments in the law, the yearly updates to the EPO Guidelines, PCT-EPO Guidelines and Unitary Patent Guidelines, as well as to the PCT Applicant’s Guide. This edition of the book also reflects the restructured Euro-PCT sections in the 2026 edition of the EPO Guidelines (new chapters A-XII to A-XV replacing the former chapter E-IX, and extensive renumbering of later sections in part E).
More information can be found here.
Rules for deliveries in the UK can be found here.