European Patent Office

T 0402/01 (Data entry system/DATAQUILL) of 21.02.2005

European Case Law Identifier
ECLI:EP:BA:2005:T040201.20050221
Date of decision
21 February 2005
Case number
T 0402/01
Petition for review of
-
Application number
94927728.9
Language of proceedings
English
Distribution
Distributed to board chairmen and members (B)
OJ versions
No OJ links found
Abstracts for this decision
-
Application title
Data entry systems
Applicant name
Dataquill Limited
Opponent name
ALCATEL
Board
3.5.01
Headnote
-
Keywords
Automatic remittal after citation of a new document in response to change in factual framework resulting from proprietor's amendments (no)
Catchword
A patent proprietor has no automatic right of remittal after the citation of a new document with the grounds of appeal, even if there is a change in factual framework, at least in cases where the document is filed in reaction to amendment of the claim, providing that both parties' right to a fair hearing (Article 113(1) EPC) is not jeopardised.
The right to a fair hearing comprises the right to be heard, explicitly required by Article 113(1) EPC, and the general principle of equal treatment of parties, implied by Article 113(1) EPC in combination with Article 125 EPC.
(See points 10 and 11 of the reasons).

ORDER

For these reasons it is decided that:

1. The decision under appeal is set aside.

2. The patent is revoked.