Techrights

"Investigate Europe" Should Investigate Europe's Second-Largest Institution, the EPO

Posted by Roy Schestowitz on Dec 01, 2025

The European Patent Office (EPO) is doing a lot of really bad things and several journalists from large publishers have shown interest; at least some openly express fear of the EPO, based on past experiences (intimidation and worse). EPO insiders have totally legitimate reasons to call the principal culprits "Mafia". I heard such stories - even firsthand and in person - as far back as over 10 years ago. There's definitely a Mafia-like culture at the EPO and that extends to its treatment of the press.

"For information," some readers told us last month, there's a site called "Investigate Europe".

They seem like decent people. We urge readers to contact these people.

As our readers put it: "We recently came across this group of journalists which calls itself "Investigate Europe". They describe themselves as follows: "A cross-border team of reporters, editors and producers, Investigate Europe delivers in-depth investigative journalism from a changing Europe. Our reporting shines a light on the untold stories, unchecked institutions and hidden structures shaping the continent today. Together, we connect the dots on Europe.""

One of their areas of interest is "Unchecked Power - How systems and structures wield influence over Europe".

To relay how our readers put it: "Maybe it would be worth contacting them about EPO matters?"

"The main office seems to be based in Berlin, including the following people:

- Managing Director Anne-Katrin Zapryanova: zapryanova@investigate-europe.eu

Two reporters:

- Nico Schmidt: schmidt@investigate-europe.eu

- Harald Schumann: schumann@investigate-europe.eu

Hope that this information might be of some assistance."

They're based in Berlin and this morning we mentioned how EPO staff in Berlin plans industrial action, so this isn't just relevant to them but also timely.

If you choose to contact them, please do so amicably and politely. Try to be helpful to them, not critical of them. █