T 0222/85 (Inadmissibility) of 21.01.1987

1. A communication under Rule 57(1) EPC indicating the admissibility of an opposition is not a decision of the Opposition Division, and the sending of such a communication does not prevent the subsequent rejection of the notice of opposition as inadmissible under Rule 56(1) EPC, for example if the admissibility is challenged by the proprietor of the patent in such proceedings.

2. The requirement under Rule 55(c) EPC, that the notice of opposition shall, inter alia, contain "an indication of facts, evidence and arguments presented in support of the ground" is only satisfied if the contents of such notice are sufficient for the opponent's case to be properly understood on an objective basis.