4.1.1 Reasoned objections 

As with the search opinion, for each objection, the communication should indicate the part of the application that is deficient and the EPC requirement not met, either by referring to specific articles or rules or by other clear indication; it should also give the reason for any objection where not immediately apparent (for more details see B‑XI, 3.2).

The burden of proof and the onus to present the relevant facts about patentability requirements lie initially with the examining division, which must provide evidence and facts to support its objection (see T 655/13). Accordingly, prior-art documents forming the basis for novelty or inventive step objections must be cited in such a way that these conclusions can be checked without difficulty (see E‑X, 2.6).