T 0597/92 (Rearrangement reaction) of 01.03.1995
- European Case Law Identifier
- ECLI:EP:BA:1995:T059792.19950301
- Date of decision
- 1 March 1995
- Case number
- T 0597/92
- Petition for review of
- -
- Application number
- 81200211.1
- IPC class
- C07C 67/475
- Language of proceedings
- English
- Distribution
- Published in the EPO's Official Journal (A)
- Download
- -
- Other decisions for this case
- -
- Abstracts for this decision
- -
- Application title
- Process for preparing esters of 2-(6'-methoxy-2'-naphtyl)- propionic acid via rearrangement of new ketals of 2-halo-1-(6'- methoxy-2'-naphtyl)-propan-1-one
- Applicant name
- BLASCHIM
- Opponent name
- Syntex Pharmaceuticals
- Board
- 3.3.01
- Headnote
There is no basis in the EPC for the substantiation of inventive step by way of disclaimer. This method may only be used by way of exception for avoiding anticipation, if the subject-matter of a claim cannot be restricted on the basis of the original disclosure in positive terms without unduly impairing its clarity and conciseness.
A hypothetical novelty attack in possible proceedings before a national court, unsupported by pleadings or evidence on the file before the EPO, is not a sufficient reason under the EPC for allowing a disclaimer.
- Relevant legal provisions
- European Patent Convention Art 107 1973European Patent Convention Art 123(2) 1973European Patent Convention Art 123(3) 1973European Patent Convention Art 54(2) 1973European Patent Convention Art 56 1973European Patent Convention Art 87(1) 1973
- Keywords
- Main request - disclaimer not allowed in the absence of concrete novelty attack
First auxiliary request - novelty (yes)
Inventive step (yes) - non-obvious solution - Catchword
- -
ORDER
For these reasons it is decided that:
1. The opposition division's decision is set aside.
2. The case is remitted to the opposition division with the order to maintain the patent on the basis of auxiliary request 1 with consequential amendments to the description, if necessary.