European Patent Organization Forms an "Academy": With a view to fostering the development and harmonization of patent-related intellectual property law and practice within its member states, the European Patent Organization has adopted regulations setting up a European Patent Academy. The new institution will be managed by the European Patent Office (EPO) and will have its seat in Munich. In close co-operation with national, European and international institutions and organizations, its main task will be to develop a Europe-wide training and education scheme for the benefit of the European patent system. The Academy is expected to commence functioning in the course of 2005. The creation of the European Patent Academy reflects the need to improve intellectual property-related training and education structures in Europe.