Tactics for D book - What is it?
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The book Tactics for D written by Cees Mulder and Nyske Blokhuis a 187-page A4-size book that provides a methodology for Parts D1 and D2 of Paper D of the European Qualifying Examination (EQE).
The idea for this book evolved from a series of courses given at Maastricht University preparing for the EQE. For most Exam papers it is required to learn the necessary legal background and the substantive requirements related to the subject of the paper. However, it also must be learned how to answer the paper, i.e., how to formulate the answer to score marks. Paper D is the toughest of the EQE: it requires a time-consuming trajectory of preparation. Not only a vast amount of information must be put into the head of a candidate, he/she must also be able to quickly find the appropriate law reference and/or explanation in the Guidelines or the Case Law in the abundance of resource material available. Since 2010, the average pass rate of Paper D is 40% with a standard deviation of almost 10%. A thorough preparation is necessary for having a fair chance of passing the paper. In the opinion of the authors, such a preparation involves learning the law as well as learning a methodology to deal with the questions in the paper. The book discusses the main themes of the D paper. It describes an elegant methodology for answering a Legal Question in Part D1. The methodology is put to work in some example questions. In addition, a comprehensive methodology is given for analysing and drafting a Legal Opinion following an inquiry from a client in Part D2. The book includes advice in relation to several recurring issues as well as a checklist with actions (including the unitary patent and Unified Patent Court). As an Annex, a comprehensive analysis and model solution of two recent Parts D2 of EQE Paper D are included. |
This book has been kept compact by referring to legal texts as much as possible, instead of copying these texts into the book. It is recommended to look up the legal provisions or read the text in a study book.
The book Topic-Related Index to the EPC and PCT is an excellent reference book in relation to the legal questions of EQE Paper D. Tenth edition In the 10th edition of Tactics for D (EQE 2025), the references to the law and EPO Guidelines (March 2024) have been actualized. In addition, the content of the Annexes has been updated. Two examples of D2 exam papers are included: a comprehensive analysis and model solution of Part D2 of the 2016 and Part D2 of the 2013 EQE Paper D. Finally, the book is adapted to suit the online format of the EQE. The book Tactics for D provides the best possible starting point for successfully passing Paper D of the EQE. |