T 0920/93 27-01-1994
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Reversing mechanism for an outboard propulsion power leg
I. In a decision dated 25 August 1993 the Opposition Division rejected the opposition filed against European patent No. 0 295 569.
II. The Appellant (Opponent) appealed against this decision by a letter filed on 22 October 1993, paid the fee for appeal on the same day and filed a Statement of Grounds of appeal on 17 December 1993. He requested that the patent be revoked.
III. In a letter dated 20 January 1994 the Respondent (Proprietor) requested revocation of the patent and refund of all refundable fees, if any.
1. The appeal complies with Articles 106 to 108 and Rule 64 EPC and is admissible.
2. It follows from the provision according to Article 113(2) EPC that a European patent cannot be maintained against the Proprietor's will. Thus, in view of the Respondent's request for revocation of his patent, the present European patent has to be revoked (cf. T 73/84; OJ EPO 1985, 241).
3. The request regarding refund of fees lacks substantiation in that the Respondent did not specify any fee which, in his opinion, should be refunded and did not give any reason supporting such refund. Therefore, the Board, not being aware of any refundable fee in the present case, has to reject this request.
ORDER
For these reasons, it is decided that:
1. The decision under appeal is set aside.
2. The European patent No. 0 295 569 is revoked.
3. The request regarding refund of fees is rejected.