Key 2026 examination documentation has been updated
Written by Neil Lampert
on May 27, 2026
IPReg has confirmed the outcome of its EQE mapping exercise, recognising Paper M3 of the new European Qualifying Examination (EQE) as an accepted route for demonstrating the advanced drafting and amendment competencies required for admission to the UK Register of Patent Attorneys.
Following a Board meeting on 21 May 2026, IPReg confirmed that a pass in EQE Paper M3 will be recognised as equivalent to the competencies assessed in the Patent Examination Board (PEB) FD2 and FD3 papers. This means candidates who successfully complete M3 will be able to rely on that result when applying for registration as a UK patent attorney.
The decision also provides clarity for candidates qualifying through transitional arrangements under Article 25 REE 2025. IPReg will recognise mixed routes comprising a pass in legacy Paper A together with M3 Part 2, or a pass in legacy Paper B together with M3 Part 1.
Importantly, existing exemptions and recognition arrangements remain unchanged. Passes in legacy Paper A, legacy Paper B, and the full legacy EQE will continue to be recognised for qualification purposes in both the UK and European patent attorney systems.
Read the IPReg statement here.
Date published: 22 May 2026