4.1.2 Legal character and effect of the stay of proceedings 

Stay of proceedings is a preliminary procedural measure sui generis which takes immediate effect as a preventive measure to preserve the third party's possible rights (J 28/94; J 15/06).

The patent proprietor will not be heard but may file a request for an appealable decision on the stay of proceedings.

Stay of proceedings means that the legal status quo existing at the time of ordering is maintained, i.e. neither the EPO nor the parties may validly perform any legal acts (J 38/92).

An automatic debit order ceases to be effective on the day on which a stay of the proceedings takes effect (see Point 11.1(c) AAD, Annex A.1 to the ADA, Supplementary publication 3, OJ EPO 2022, page 35). If the automatic debiting procedure is to be used again after resumption of the proceedings, a new automatic debit order is to be filed.