EPO introduces AI captions to improve accessibility in digital patent proceedings
Digital justice expands as EPO integrates real-time AI captioning tools.
The European Patent Office (EPO) has introduced automated real-time captions for oral proceedings conducted via video conference (VICOs), aiming to improve accessibility for participants with hearing impairments.
The measure forms part of broader efforts to enhance inclusivity within digital public services.
A system that enables speech recognition-based captions during virtual hearings, with optional translation into official languages.
While activation requires prior request, the feature reflects a shift towards more accessible and adaptable procedural frameworks in digital legal environments.
The introduction of captions aligns with wider European accessibility and digitalisation objectives, supporting equitable participation in administrative and legal processes.
At the same time, the EPO notes that machine-generated captions may contain inaccuracies and are intended solely as a support tool during proceedings.
Such a development illustrates how AI-enabled tools are being integrated into institutional workflows to address accessibility barriers, while maintaining procedural safeguards and operational integrity.
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