16.2 Period allowed for remedying deficiencies 

The period for remedying the following deficiencies is two months from a communication pointing them out according to Rule 58:

(i)non-appointment of a representative where the applicant has neither residence nor principal place of business in a contracting state – see A‑III, 2 (regarding failure to file an authorisation where this is necessary, see A‑VIII, 1.5 A‑VIII, 1.9 and the decision of the President of the EPO dated 8 July 2024, OJ EPO 2024, A75, and the notice from the EPO dated 8 July 2024, OJ EPO 2024, A77) 12 July 2007, Special edition No. 3, OJ EPO 2007, L.1)

(ii)documents making up the application not complying with physical requirements (see A‑III, 3)

(iii)request for grant (with the exception of the priority criteria) not satisfactory (see A‑III, 4)

(iv)abstract not filed (see A‑III, 10)

(v)where required, translation of the application not filed (see A‑III, 14)

(vi)no claims (see A‑III, 15).

The period under Rule 58 is not extendable. If the above deficiencies under (i)-(iv) or (vi) are not rectified in time, the application is refused under Art. 90(5). If the deficiency under (v) is not rectified in time, the application is deemed withdrawn under Art. 14(2). Under Rule 135(2), further processing is ruled out for all of the above losses of rights, which all arise from the failure to observe the time limit of Rule 58.

The following deficiencies are rectified under provisions other than Rule 58:

(vii)non-payment of the claims fees (Rule 45 – see A‑III, 9)

(viii)priority document or file number of the previous application is missing (Rule 59 – see A‑III, 6)

(ix)non-payment of filing fee, including any additional fee, and search fee (see A‑III, 13)

(x)non-filing of a standard-compliant sequence listing (Rule 30(3) – see A‑IV, 5).

According to Rule 45(2), the period for remedying deficiencies related to the payment of claims fees under (vii) is one month from a communication pointing out their non-payment. Failure to correct this deficiency in time leads to the claims in question being deemed abandoned under Rule 45(3). Further processing applies to this loss of rights.

Deficiencies under (viii) are to be corrected within two months of a communication under Rule 59. This period can be extended under Rule 132(2) (see E‑IX, 2.3.5 for Euro-PCT applications) but further processing is ruled out by Rule 135(2). Failure to correct this deficiency in time leads to the loss of the priority right.

Failure to pay the filing, additional or search fee on time results in the deemed withdrawal of the application according to Art. 78(2). This loss of rights ensues directly on expiry of the applicable time limit (see A‑III, 13). Deficiencies under (ix) can be corrected by requesting further processing.

The deficiency under Rule 30(1) can be corrected within two months of a communication under Rule 30(3). This period is not extendable but further processing is available. Failure to correct this deficiency in time leads to the refusal of the European patent application (see A‑IV, 5).

Where appropriate, the search division is informed of any loss of rights.