European Patent Office

T 0989/23 of 04.04.2025

European Case Law Identifier
ECLI:EP:BA:2025:T098923.20250404
Date of decision
4 April 2025
Case number
T 0989/23
Petition for review of
-
Application number
07024737.4
Language of proceedings
English
Distribution
Distributed to board chairmen (C)
OJ versions
No OJ links found
Other decisions for this case
-
Abstracts for this decision
Abstract on Article 12(4) RPBA
Application title
COATED PIPES HAVING IMPROVED MECHANICAL PROPERTIES AT ELEVATED TEMPERATURES AND A METHOD OF PRODUCTION THEREOF
Applicant name
Borealis Technology Oy
Opponent name
The Dow Chemical Company
Board
3.3.02
Headnote
-
Relevant legal provisions
European Patent Convention Art 56European Patent Convention Art 84Rules of procedure of the Boards of Appeal 2020 Art 012(4)Rules of procedure of the Boards of Appeal 2020 Art 012(6)
Keywords
Inventive step - partial technical problems
Claims - clarity after amendment
Amendment to case - exercise of discretion
Fundamental procedural defect
Catchword
A board has the power to review an opposition division's procedural decision to consider late submissions filed in opposition proceedings. Otherwise, the parties' right to a judicial review of an essential part of the opposition division's decision would be denied. Moreover, on appeal, a board would be compelled to accept a legal and factual framework even if it is based on an erroneous exercise of discretion (point 9.7 of the Reasons).
Citing cases
-

Order

For these reasons it is decided that:

1. The decision under appeal is set aside.

2. The patent is revoked.