The EQE Opposition Paper - Still a Challenge

In a previous post we observed that the EQE opposition paper has been reduced to manageable size and there are less opportunities to go wrong. It follows that candidates have a better chance that their preparations will be rewarded by success.

The new-format opposition paper nevertheless remains a challenge. Whereas there are less attacks and less opportunities to go wrong, less attacks means more credit per attack, and in case of a wrong attack or an attack that is correct but poorly presented, there is more credit to be lost. This dramatically shortens the path to failure in case of error.

As in the past, candidates will be well advised to develop a systematic approach for identifying attacks.

Its important to make sure of choosing the correct attack, lack of novelty or inventive step. For this, its going to be ever more important to focus long-term on the razor-edged novel/not-novel boundary.

Practice can be rounded off by writing attacks under timed conditions, aiming for high quality.

You can develop the right approach from the EQE Comprehensive book (details here) and by attending the PATSKILLS Opposition Course (www.patskills.ch).

Brian Cronin

PATSKILLS

Good news for EQE paper C sitters

The pass rate for the 2013 EQE Opposition paper C was 43.6%. A further 11.8% obtained a marginal fail that can be compensated. In comparison, the 2112 opposition paper’s pass rate was 33.1%.

The increased pass rate does not seem to reflect better preparation by the candidates, but could be the combined effect of a number of factors : shorter paper, less documents, less claims, less attacks, all leading to less stress so more candidates could manage the statement of opposition in the given time.

We can hope that the examining committees will take due note, and maintain a paper of the same « density » next year.

The message for new and repeating candidates for paper C is clear : the opposition paper has been reduced to manageable size and there are less opportunities to go wrong. It follows that you have a better chance that your preparations will be rewarded by success

Brian Cronin

PATSKILLS 

Next Opposition Course

The next Patskills Opposition Course (Paper C) will take place on 6-7 December 2013 in Geneva. Details and a Registration Form are available on www.patskills.ch.

The Drafting/Reply and Legal courses are on hold.

Brian Cronin
PATSKILLS