ABOUT THE PLATFORM FOR FORMALITIES OFFICERS
The Platform for Formalities Officers has been the association for administrative professionals working in the field of Intellectual Property (IP) since April 3, 2009. Whether you work at a patent and/or trademark & design firm, international company, university, or start-up, as a Formalities Officer you play a crucial role in protecting innovative ideas.
Knowledge and Development
We believe it is important that our members can expand their professional knowledge and stay up to date in a dynamic and changing field. We, therefore, organize several masterclasses and a conference each year, focusing on current and relevant topics. This not only provides an opportunity to learn from experts but also to share experiences and knowledge with peers in the field.
Graduation
30 September 2025EPAC exam
9 October 2025
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Additionally, we organize the official Certified Formalities Officer exam. This exam, held annually in May, is the way to have your expertise recognized and strengthen your position within the profession.
Networking and Collaboration
In addition to maintaining professional knowledge, networking plays a major role within our Platform. We bring professionals together to exchange knowledge and experiences, both nationally and internationally. We do this through organizing masterclasses where members can meet and engage in dialogue.
We also act as a discussion partner for key institutions such as the Dutch Institute of Patent Attorneys (Orde van Octrooigemachtigden), the European Patent Office (EPO), and the Netherlands Patent Office (OCNL). Moreover, we have strong ties with sister organizations in Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, with whom we collaborate to further professionalize the field.
Why Become a Member?
The demand for well-trained administrative professionals in the IP sector continues to grow. Innovation and creativity require strong legal and administrative support.
Being a member of the Platform offers many benefits:
✅ Stay informed about the latest developments in your field
✅ Expand your knowledge through masterclasses
✅ Build a valuable network within the IP sector
✅ Obtain official certification as a Certified Formalities Officer
✅ Contribute to the future of the profession