2.7. Informal communications

There are instances where personal consultation with the applicant can be helpful in advancing the procedure. Such consultations used to take place by telephone or in the form of interviews; nowadays they are preferably held by videoconference, thereby allowing, where necessary, the presentation of documents, the participation of other persons and the verification of the identity of the person(s) attending. However, consultations can still be held by telephone at the request of the applicant, if the situation so requires (see EPC Guidelines C‑VII, 2 – April 2025 version).