6.1 When does the examining division resume examination after approval? 

Following the applicant's approval in response to the Rule 71(3) communication (see C‑V, 2), the examining division may resume the examination procedure at any time up to the moment the decision to grant is handed over to the EPO's internal postal service for transmittal to the applicant (see G 12/91). This will seldom occur, but may be necessary if:

– the applicant files further prior art necessitating further substantive examination  

– the examining division becomes aware of very relevant prior art following observations by third parties under Art. 115

– the applicant files amendments or corrections (having already approved the text)  

– the examining division becomes aware in some other way of circumstances that cause the subject-matter claimed to fail to comply with the EPC. 

The resumption of examination after approval is subject to the same considerations as resumption due to amendments filed in the Rule 71(3) period (see C‑V, 4.7.1). The next action issued after resumption of examination must however indicate that the proceedings have been resumed as well as the substantive reasons that led to the resumption. In particular, the applicant's right to comment (Art. 113(1)), the right to at least one communication under Art. 94(3) and Rule 71(1) and Rule 71(2) in examination proceedings (see C‑III, 4) and the right to oral proceedings on request (Art. 116(1)) must be respected.

The criteria applied in assessing the admissibility of amendments or corrections filed by the applicant after approval are dealt with in H‑II, 2.6.