Guidelines for Examination

If a third party provides proof to the EPO that he has opened proceedings against the applicant or proprietor for the purpose of seeking a judgment that he is entitled to the (grant of the) European patent, the EPO shall stay the proceedings unless the third party consents to the continuation of such proceedings. For further details see A-IV, 2.2 to A-IV, 2.5 and D-VII, 4.1.