T 1191/08 (High-throughput assay/PHARMACOPEIA) 23-02-2009
Download and more information:
High-throughput assay
I. By an interlocutory decision of the opposition division announced at the end of the oral proceedings on 27 November 2007 and posted on 3 March 2008, the European patent No. 1 002 233 (European application No. 98 930 081.9) with the title "High-throughput assay" was maintained in amended form pursuant to Article 102(3) EPC 1973.
II. The opponent (appellant) filed on 13 May 2008 a notice of appeal. The appeal fee was paid on the same day. However, no statement of grounds of appeal was filed within the time limit specified in Article 108 EPC.
III. By a communication dated 18 August 2008 sent by registered letter with advice of delivery, the appellant was informed that no statement of grounds of appeal had been filed and that, therefore, it was to be expected that the appeal would be rejected as inadmissible pursuant to Article 108, third sentence, EPC in conjunction with Rule 101(1) EPC. The appellant was invited to file observations within two months. The appellant did not reply to said communication, and no request for re-establishment of rights was filed.
As no written statement setting out the grounds of appeal has been filed and as the notice of appeal does not contain anything that could be regarded as a statement of grounds of appeal according to Article 108 EPC, the appeal has to be rejected as inadmissible (Article 108 EPC in conjunction with Rule 101(1) EPC).
ORDER
For these reasons it is decided that:
The appeal is rejected as inadmissible.