Panagiotis (Panos) Rigopoulos
About Panagiotis (Panos) Rigopoulos
Panagiotis (Panos) Rigopoulos is a Project Coordinator at the European Patent Office, where he has worked since 2021. He has extensive experience in international patent harmonisation and holds a doctorate in copyright law.
Work at European Patent Office
Panagiotis Rigopoulos has been employed at the European Patent Office (EPO) since 2021, currently serving as a Project Coordinator. Prior to this role, he worked at the EPO as a Lawyer from 2003 to 2021, accumulating 18 years of experience. His work has involved significant contributions to policy aspects of international cooperation, particularly in relation to IP5 and Trilateral Cooperation. His extensive experience includes user outreach and international patent harmonization.
Education and Expertise
Panagiotis Rigopoulos holds multiple degrees in law. He completed his LL.B. at Ethnikon kai Kapodistriakon Panepistimion Athinon from 1991 to 1996. He then pursued an LL.M. at Ludwig-Maximilians Universität München from 1997 to 1998. Rigopoulos continued his studies at the same institution, earning a doctorate (Dr. jur.) in Copyright Law and Intellectual Property from 1999 to 2002, with a thesis focused on the digital exploitation of copyright-protected works. He also studied at the University of Regensburg for a year in 1994.
Background
Before joining the European Patent Office, Panagiotis Rigopoulos worked as a Doctoral Fellow at the Max Planck Institute for Innovation and Competition from 1998 to 2002 in the Munich Area, Germany. This role contributed to his expertise in intellectual property law and innovation. Rigopoulos is fluent in four languages: Greek, German, English, and French, which enhances his ability to engage in international legal discussions.
Achievements
Panagiotis Rigopoulos has extensive experience in user outreach and international patent harmonization, which are critical areas in the field of intellectual property. His involvement in the policy aspects of the European Patent Office's international cooperation, particularly with IP5 and Trilateral Cooperation, reflects his commitment to advancing patent law and practices on a global scale. His academic work, including a doctorate focused on copyright law, further underscores his expertise in this domain.