2.3.1 Appeal proceedings

When reviewing appeal proceedings, the Enlarged Board's review is limited to "fundamental" violations of the right to be heard. This requires a causal link between the alleged violation and the final decision. Such a causal link does not exist when, even if a procedural violation can be demonstrated, the same decision would have been taken for other reasons (see chapter V.B.4.3.2 "Fundamental" violation of Article 113 EPC – causal link and adverse effect").