European Patent Office

T 0231/85 (Triazole derivates) of 08.12.1986

European Case Law Identifier
ECLI:EP:BA:1986:T023185.19861208
Date of decision
8 December 1986
Case number
T 0231/85
Petition for review of
-
Application number
81101742.5
IPC class
H01N 43/64
Language of proceedings
German
Distribution
Published in the EPO's Official Journal (A)
Download
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Other decisions for this case
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Abstracts for this decision
-
Application title
-
Applicant name
BASF
Opponent name
-
Board
3.3.01
Headnote

1. The fact of a substance being known cannot preclude the novelty of a hitherto unknown use of that substance (here: use as a fungicide), even if the new use does not require any technical realisation (here: e.g. spraying of useful plants) other than that for a previously known use of the same substance (here: use as a growth regulator).

2. Failure to take submissions into consideration which is a result of a delay within the Office and not attributable to the parties to the proceedings constitutes a substantial procedural violation within the meaning of Rule 67 EPC and for reasons of equity calls for reimbursement of the appeal fee.

Keywords
Novelty - use of known substance
Inventive step - unspecified effect
Substantial procedural violation (yes)
Failure to take account of a request due to a delay within the Office
Catchword
-
Cited cases
G 0002/88

ORDER

For these reasons, it is decided that:

1. The contested decision is set aside.

2. The matter is referred back to the Examining Division for continuation of the examination proceedings on the basis of the claims of 30 October 1986.

3. Reimbursement of the appeal fee is ordered.