2.2. More than one independent claim per category: Rule 43(2) EPC

Rule 43(2) EPC specifies that an application may contain more than one independent claim in the same category (product, process, apparatus or use) only if the subject-matter involves (a) a plurality of interrelated products, (b) different uses of a product or apparatus or (c) alternative solutions to a particular problem, where it is inappropriate to cover these alternatives by a single claim.

The case law below mostly relates to R. 29(2) EPC 1973 as amended with effect from 2 January 2002 (OJ 2002, 2), which corresponds to R. 43(2) EPC.