G 0001/06 (Sequences of divisionals/SEIKO) of 28.06.2007

In the case of a sequence of applications consisting of a root (originating) application followed by divisional applications, each divided from its predecessor, it is a necessary and sufficient condition for a divisional application of that sequence to comply with Article 76(1), second sentence, EPC that anything disclosed in that divisional application be directly and unambiguously derivable from what is disclosed in each of the preceding applications as filed.

The Summary of facts and submissions and Reasons for the decision are identical in their wording to the corresponding section of decision G 1/05, OJ EPO 2008, 271 (in this issue). The proceedings were consolidated. Therefore this is an abridged version of the decision. A copy of the full text in the language of proceedings may be obtained from the EPO Information Desk in Munich on payment of a photocopying fee of EUR 0.70 per page.