T 1579/12 30-09-2014
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Use of a water-based emulsion for vibration damper
I. European Patent Nr. 1 520 865 was revoked by decision of the opposition division dated 17 April 2012 and posted on 2 May 2012. The patent designated the contracting states DE, FR and GB.
II. The patent proprietor appealed against the decision on 6 July 2012, the statement of grounds of appeal being submitted on 12 September 2012.
III. The opponent, now respondent, filed a reply to the appeal by letter on 29 January 2013.
IV. The patent lapsed in all three designated states:
DE on 1 April 2014
FR on 30 September 2013
GB on 24 September 2013.
V. Lapse of the patent was notified to the parties by a communication pursuant to R. 84(1) EPC of 12 August 2014 (EPO Form 2369).
VI. By letter of 15 September 2014 the respondent(opponent) requested that the board terminate the appeal proceedings.
1. Pursuant to Rule 84(1) EPC if an European patent has lapsed in all the designated contracting states, opposition proceedings may be continued at the request of the opponent.
2. The opponent has explicitly requested by letter of 15 September 2014 termination of the appeal proceedings.
For these reasons it is decided that:
The appeal proceedings are terminated.