Tactics for D and M2 book - What is it?
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The book Tactics for D and M2 written by Cees Mulder and Nyske Blokhuis a 185-page A4-size book that provides a methodology for Parts D1 and D2 as well as for Paper M2 of the European Qualifying Examination (EQE).
The last opportunity to sit Paper D will be in March 2026, whereas new Paper M2 can be taken for the first time. Only in 2026, the format of the questions in Paper M2 will be identical to that of Paper D1 – all questions are "open questions requiring a free-text answer." 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. Exam Paper D1/M2 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 D1/M2 Paper and of the D2 Paper. It describes an elegant methodology for answering a Legal Questions in Paper D1/M2. The methodology is put to work in several example questions. In addition, a comprehensive methodology is given for analysing and drafting a Legal Opinion following an inquiry from a client in Paper D2. |
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 D1/M2. Eleventh edition In the 11th edition of Tactics for D and M2 (EQE 2026), the references to the law and EPO Guidelines (March 2025) have been actualised. 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 Paper D2 of 2016 and Paper D2 of 2013 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). The book Tactics for D and M2 provides the best possible starting point for successfully passing Paper D1/M2 and Paper D2 of the EQE in 2026. |