Main Content

URL: Location: HomePatentsLawLegal texts

Guidelines for Examination in the EPO

Guidelines for Examination - Table of Contents  
PART A GUIDELINES FOR FORMALITIES EXAMINATION General Part PART B  
CHAPTER XII INSPECTION OF FILES; COMMUNICATION OF INFORMATION CONTAINED IN FILES; CONSULTATION OF THE... CHAPTER XI FEES    
3. Communication of information from the files 2. Inspection of files 4. Consultation of the European Patent Register  


3.

Communication of information from the files

 

Subject to the restrictions provided for in Art. 128(1) to (4) and Rule 144, the EPO may, upon request, communicate information concerning any file of a European patent application or European patent. This may be subject to the payment of an administrative fee.

Rule 146



However, the EPO may require the exercise of the option to obtain inspection of the file itself, should it deem this to be appropriate in view of the quantity of information to be supplied.

 

Correspondence from the proceedings relating to the communication of information conducted between the EPO and the person requesting the information is filed in the part of the file which is not accessible to the public. The EPO does not provide the applicant with any information about the proceedings relating to the communication of information.

 


Top . arrow top of page

© European Patent Office . Imprint . Terms of use . Last updated: 13.12.2007