5.4 Communication of observations from one of the parties to the other parties 

The formalities officer will, at any stage in the procedure, immediately communicate the observations of any of the parties to the other parties for information. However, copies of all documents annexed to letters (including amendments)supporting the parties' submissions, which are available for inspection and for download via the Register, will no longer be automatically transmitted (see also D‑IV, 5.2, A‑XI, 2 and the notice from the EPO dated 9 March 2022, OJ EPO 2022, A2828 August 2020, OJ EPO 2020, A106).

If the opposition division considers that observations are called for in the course of the subsequent procedure, a separate invitation is issued and a period is fixed (normally four months), with or without a communication stating the grounds.